The Application of Neutron Radiography to the Study of Microcracking in Concrete

Abstract

Abstract Radiography of concrete specimens using a neutron flux as the penetrating radiation has been used to identify and study microcracking. The key to the technique is the partial impregnation of the microcracks with a medium with a high neutron attenuation capacity, so as to result in a sharp contrast between the cracks and the surrounding solid mass. Gadolinium has been used as the neutron-attenuating contrast agent, which is applied in the form of an aqueous solution of gadolinium nitrate. The resulting radiographs are compared with more conventional X-ray studies of the same specimens. Neutron radiography appears to be more effective than X-radiography for the identification of cracking.