Kreuzschnittprüfungen

Kreuzschnittprüfungen are examinations that evaluate the internal structure of a material or object by examining cross‑sections. The term is commonly used in geology, civil engineering, metallurgy, and non‑destructive testing. The technique involves cutting or cleaving a sample, then inspecting the resulting surface under a microscope, with imaging equipment, or with analytical methods such as scanning electron microscopy, X‑ray diffraction, or micro‑CT. The principal goal is to reveal internal features that are not accessible from the exterior, such as grain boundaries, fractures, inclusions, corrosion layers, or construct damages.

In geology, Kreuzschnittprüfungen are used to analyze rock strata and identify changes in mineralogy or structural discontinuities. In civil engineering, they are performed on concrete beams, bridges, or building foundations to detect cracks, reinforcement placement, or segregation of aggregates. Metallurgy uses the method to study alloy composition, phase distribution, and heat‑treatment effects. Non‑destructive testing can also create virtual cross‑sections by scanning, which avoids physically removing a sample.

The main advantages are that the method provides a direct visual representation of internal features and allows quantitative measurement of defects or material properties. However, cross‑sectioning can damage the specimen and may not represent the bulk material if the sample is not representative. Careful sample preparation, proper cutting tools, and calibration of imaging systems are essential to obtain reliable results.