Reflectance spectroscopy as a tool to assess the quality of concrete in situ

Modern high-performance concrete (HPC) is one of the most versatile, durable, and cost effective building materials known to man. Its composition has been well-characterized in #39;test sample#39; reports from laboratory specimens and trial castings: however, its internal structure often reveals large differences from that of #39;test sample concrete#39;. Moreover, the test procedure is considered destructive. To resolve specific problems related to global urban environmental indicators, a new approach, including methods for near-real-time analysis and vast coverage, is required. The use of reflectance spectroscopy across the visible near- and short-infrared spectral region (400 to 2500 nm) was suggested as a tool to assess the status of concrete in situ. To examine this technique#39;s potential, several controlled experiments were conducted in which concrete was spectrally measured after applying several treatments, including use of different matrix components and post-curing, ageing and corrosion processes. More than 3000 collected samples revealed that spectral measurement combined with spectral analysis tools provides significant and accurate information on the concrete#39;s status. The spectral models were applied to spatial information obtained using a ground image spectrometer. It was concluded that the suggested tool provides near-real-time information on concrete status and might serve as an innovative application in civil engineering.