Non-Destructive Determination of Contamination of Building Materials

在美国，桥梁、建筑物、公路路面和类似的结构正在迅速恶化。没有确定合理程度的劣化量的方法，因此，不可能确定结构的剩余寿命。该项目将研究使用x射线荧光和中子/伽马探测来确定材料的内部状况。这两种方法是互补的，将为不同材料的使用提供一系列的能力。要评估的条件是盐、水分、空隙的位置、增强剂、脱盐的有效性以及防腐剂或固结剂的渗透。结果将非常有用的评估现有结构的状况，并决定何时维修，改造，或更换可能是必要的。

Bridges, buildings, highway pavements, and similar structures are deteriorating at a rapid rate in the United States. Methods to determine the amount of deterioration to a reasonable degree are not available and, therefore, it is impossible to determine the remaining life of the structure. This project will investigate the use of x-ray fluorescense and neutron/gamma detection to determine the internal condition of materials in place. The two methods are complementary and will provide a range of capability for use on different materials. Conditions to be evaluated are salt, moisture, location of voids, reinforcements, effectiveness of desalination, and penetration of preservatives or consolidants. The results will be very useful to evaluate the condition of existing structures and to determine when repair, retrofit, or replacement may be necessary.