Visualization and quantification of water behavior around cracks by neutron radiography

Kanematsu, Manabu*; Noguchi, Takafumi*; Maruyama, Ippei*; Iikura, Hiroshi  

Neutron radiography is one of the non-destructive methods. In this research, neutron radiography was applied to visualize and quantify the water penetration into concrete through cracks. The radiographs were obtained by the TNRF (Thermal Neutron Radiography Facility) installed at a research reactor, JRR-3M, in the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). The quantitative capability of neutron radiography for the water content and the penetration depth in cement paste specimen were confirmed. The effects of crack and water content on the velocity and the depth of water penetration into concrete were visualized with several concrete specimens, to which surface water was supplied through the container.