Title:
Measurement of Chloride in Concrete by Prompt-Gamma Neutron Activation
Author(s):
R. A. Livingston, P. Sridhar, N. S. Berke, A. M. Amde, and H. H. Chen-Mayer
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
121
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
13-22
Keywords:
ASTM C1152; chlorides; neutron activation; prompt gamma
DOI:
10.14359/51742035
Date:
9/1/2024
Abstract:
Prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) is an elemental analysis
method based on radiative neutron capture that has a high sensitivity to chlorine (Cl). To evaluate the feasibility of replacing the conventional wet chemistry method, ASTM C1152, with PGAA,
four mixtures of concrete were prepared with Cl added, ranging
from a 0.004 to 0.067% mass fraction of Cl in concrete. The PGAA
method detected levels of 100 μg/g Cl in concrete. While both the
PGAA and C1152 methods gave results systematically below the
nominal values of added Cl, the PGAA data showed excellent
correlation (R2 of 0.999) with the C1152 results measured on the
same samples. Given that PGAA can measure Cl in concrete as
well as C1152 and is faster and less labor-intensive, it can be a
candidate for development as a standard method for an alternative
to the latter.