Development of microwave and impedance spectroscopy methods for in-situ nondestructive evaluation of alkali silica reaction in concrete

Alexander Heifetz, Sasan Bakhtiari, Juan Lu, Igor S. Aranson, Valerii M. Vinokur, Anthony F. Bentivegna

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aging concrete degradation due to alkali silica reaction (ASR) is a challenge to sustainability of critical infrastructure, such as nuclear power plants. Currently, there is no standard, nondestructive method for detecting ASR in concrete. We report on the progress in developing electromagnetic (EM) methods, consisting of microwave and impedance spectroscopy techniques, for nondestructive detection of ASR. The microwave and impedance spectroscopy methods are complementary since they provide information about material electrical properties in GHz and Hz to KHz EM spectral bands, respectively. Preliminary studies were conducted using accelerated testing concrete prism specimens developed according to ASTM C1293 standard. Microwave and impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed on ASR specimens at the first and the second month maturity level, as well as on age-matched controls. Microwave tests consisted of reflection and transmission measurements using dielectric-loaded antennas, with the focus on X-band spectrum. Impedance measurements were performed using flexible electrode patches. Measurement results by both microwave and impedance spectroscopy methods indicate observable differences in electrical properties between reactive and non-reactive specimens. In addition, trends in measurement data obtained with the two complementary EM techniques are consistent and correlate with ASR progression in specimens.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication43rd Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, Volume 36
EditorsLeonard J. Bond, Dale E. Chimenti
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9780735414747
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 16 2017
Event43rd Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, QNDE 2016 - Atlanta, United States
Duration: Jul 17 2016Jul 22 2016

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume1806
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

Other43rd Annual Review of Progress in Quantitative Nondestructive Evaluation, QNDE 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAtlanta
Period7/17/167/22/16

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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