Cracks are always present in reinforced concrete structures. In the presented research, influence of mechanical cracks on chloride ingress is studied. A compact reinforced concrete specimen was designed, mimicking the cracking behaviour of beam elements. Cracks of different widths were induced by means of mechanical loading. These cracked specimens were then subjected to weekly cycles of wetting and drying with NaCl solution. After the exposure, the specimens were cut, and chloride distributions were determined using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), an innovative technique which enables simultaneous determination of different elements with high spatial resolution and minimal specimen preparation. By combining element distributions of different elements, it is possible to discriminate between coarse aggregate particles, and the mortar matrix. It was found that the wider the crack is, the higher the ingress of chloride ions. This was, however, different for two tested concrete mixes. Due to highly inhomogeneous chloride distribution around the cracks, use of fine-scale experimental techniques for chloride mapping is advised, based on the presented study.

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Die Laser induzierte Breakdown Spektroskopie (LIBS) bietet für die Analyse heterogener, mineralischer Baustoffe, wie z. B. Beton, deutliche Vorteile gegenüber konventionellen Methoden. Sie ermöglicht neben der Quantifizierung von Elementgehalten und ‐verteilungen im Baustoff auch die Differenzierung von Elementkonzentrationen innerhalb einzelner Phasen im Baustoff. So können beispielsweise die für die Alkali‐Kieselsäure‐Reaktion (AKR) interessanten Natriumkonzentrationen bestimmt und hinsichtlich ihrer Verteilung aufgelöst werden. Es lassen sich Natriumgehalte, welche sich in der Gesteinskörung befinden, separat von denen der Betonmatrix bestimmen. Der vorliegende Artikel befasst sich mit den Vor‐ und Nachteilen von LIBS als alternative Methode für die chemische Analyse von Baustoffen. Anhand von Beispielen aus der Praxis wird der derzeitige Stand der Technik dargestellt und ein Vergleich mit etablierten Messmethoden vorgenommen. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in civil engineering – innovative analysis of building materials Compared to conventional methods the Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) provides significant advantages for analysis of heterogeneous, mineral building materials as e.g. concrete. Besides providing the possibility to quantify element concentrations and distributions in building materials, this technique enables also to differentiate concentrations within different phases of the material. It is possible to determine sodium concentrations and distribution directly, which e.g. is important when regarding Alkali‐Silica‐Reaction (ASR). Sodium contents provided by the aggregates can be distinguished from those provided by the concrete matrix. The present article is concerned with the advantages and disadvantages of LIBS as alternative method for chemical analysis of building materials. On the basis of samples from practice the current state of the art is shown and different measurement techniques will be compared.

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