Permeability prediction of porous geomaterials subjected to freeze-thaw cycles based on 3D reconstruction technology

Abstract This study is helpful to improve the understanding of Engineering leakage mechanism in cold regions. Firstly, computed tomography (CT) tests are carried out on the same sample at 20 °C after 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 FT cycles, and the 3D visualization models of sample after 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 FT cycles are obtained by a volume rendering algorithm. Secondly, the 3D visualization models are imported into Fluent, and the passing fluid is liquid water. The permeability coefficient of sample after 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 FT cycles is predicted by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In addition, a novel pore extraction (PE) algorithm is proposed to significantly improve the calculation efficiency of permeability prediction. Thirdly, the predicted permeability coefficient (20 °C) is compared with the true permeability coefficient (20 °C). The results show that the method proposed in this paper can well predict the permeability coefficient of the sample. Finally, the effect of FT cycles on the seepage field of sample is analyzed, and the mechanism of the permeability evolution of the sample under FT cycles is studied.