Moisture transport in concrete during fire as studied by NMR

Author(s): L. Pel, G.H.A van der Heijden and K. Kopinga
Paper category: conference
Book title: Microstructural-related Durability of Cementitious Composites
Editor(s): Guang Ye, K. van Breugel, Wei Sun and Changwen Miao
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-129-2
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-123-0
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2012
Pages: 235 - 242
Total Pages: 8
Language: English

Abstract: NMR imaging of moisture in concrete is a valuable tool for monitoring changes in the moisture content of concrete, e.g., during drying, dehydration, and heating. It can be a useful tool in assessing the consequences of certain environmental conditions non-destructively. We present combined moisture content and temperature profiles of one-sided heated concrete samples measured with our dedicated NMR setup. The concrete sample was equilibrated at a moisture content of 97 % RH. The moisture content can be measured quantitatively and nondestructively while heating up the sample one sided to 500°C.
We present the first experimental proof for the built up of a moisture peak in concrete, and the formation of a saturated layer. The temperatures meausured at the boiling front indicate a vapour pressure in the order of 1.8 MPa. A simple vapour transport model was successfully used to describe the speed of the boiling front.

Online publication: 2012-05-16
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00