Radioactive methods for detecting concrete imperfections and steel locations

Abstract

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is used extensively in structural forensic engineering to evaluate the quality of reinforced concrete. Identifying imperfections or the location of steel in highly non-uniform concrete is rather difficult simply because the examination results cannot achieve the desired precision. NDT remains inadequate in numerous situations where the quality of concrete needs to be assessed. This study proposes using penetrative radiation to capture the characteristics of concrete on film. Computers can then be utilized as a post-processing tool to eliminate image distortion. The magnification (decrease) scales can be determined using image positioning software. The geometric projection principle can then be applied directly to calculate the relative size and position, or void position, of the steel bars. Under laboratory conditions the size and position of the steel in 15-cm thick concrete can be determined using this method. Most importantly, this method can be achieved via an imaging medium, thereby increasing the practical value of radiation wave inspections in forensic engineering.