Deformation analysis of reinforced concrete using neutron imaging technique

Koyama, Taku*; Ueno, Kazuki*; Sekine, Mariko*; Matsumoto, Yoshihiro*; Kai, Tetsuya   ; Shinohara, Takenao   ; Iikura, Hiroshi  ; Suzuki, Hiroshi  ; Kanematsu, Manabu*

We developed, in this study, a novel method to observe internal deformation of concrete by the neutron transmission imaging technique. In order to visualize the internal deformation of concrete, the cement paste markers containing GdO powder were two-dimensionally dispersed around the ferritic deformed rebar in the reinforced concrete. This experiment was conducted using BL22, RADEN, in the Material and Life Science Experimental Facility of the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex. The transmission images of the reinforced concrete sample were taken at several positions on the vertical sample stage, and the displacement of the marker from the initial position was successfully evaluated within approximately 0.1 mm accuracy by image analysis for selected markers with higher contrast and circularity. Furthermore, concrete deformation under pull-out loading to the embedded rebar was evaluated by the same way, and its reaction compressive deformation was successfully observed by analyzing the displacement of the markers. The results obtained in this study bring beneficial knowledge that the measurement accuracy of the marker displacement can be improved more by choosing a spherical shape of the marker and by increasing the contrast of the marker.