Non-destructive evaluation of concrete condition using radon exhalation monitoring: a feasibility study

摘要

In this paper we study the feasibility of developing a new non-destructive in situ monitoring technique for concrete that is based on measurements of the radon exhalation of the concrete surface. The achievable sensitivity of such a technique has been assessed based on calculations with a radon transport code for concrete that has recently been successfully validated through comparison with experiments. This assessment showed that the surface radon exhalation rate is in principle sensitive enough to reflect anticipated changes in the concrete condition and consequently, a non-destructive evaluation of concrete condition by means of radon exhalation monitoring is feasible. However, as the surface exhalation rate is also sensitive to the ambient relative humidity, preconditioning of the concrete surface before measurements may be needed.