Title: Non-destructive analysis of concrete for corrosion studies using nuclear technique

Authors: A.A. Naqvi, M.M. Nagadi, M.A. Garwan, O.S.B. Al-Amoudi, M. Maslehuddin, Khateeb-ur-Rehman, M. Raashid

Addresses: Department of Physics, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. ' Department of Physics, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. ' Department of Physics, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. ' Department of Civil Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. ' Center for Engineering Research, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. ' Department of Physics, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia. ' Department of Physics, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion is the principal cause of deterioration of concrete structures in the Arabian Gulf and the world over. Preventive measures against corrosion require maintaining the chloride and sulphate concentration in concrete below the threshold limits specified by the standards. This requires monitoring the chloride and sulphate concentration in concrete, and a nondestructive technique is preferable for this purpose. The Prompt-Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA) technique can be used to monitor the concentration of corrosive elements in concrete specimens. An accelerator-based PGNAA setup has been developed to measure the chloride and sulphate concentration in concrete. The PGNAA technique has been utilised successfully to measure the elemental composition of concrete. In this regard, several studies were undertaken to determine the calcium, silicon, chloride and sulphate concentration in the concrete specimens. Furthermore, the concentration of compounds, such as lime and silica was also determined. The results of these studies along with a description of the facility are presented in this paper.

Keywords: concrete structures; chloride contamination; sulphate contamination; PGNAA technique; lime-silica ratio; Monte Carlo studies; corrosion prevention; nondestructive evaluation; steel reinforcement corrosion; prompt gamma neutron activation analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/AFP.2010.031493

Atoms for Peace: an International Journal, 2010 Vol.3 No.2, pp.65 - 83

Published online: 05 Feb 2010 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article