METNA CO — Department of Transportation SBIR Phase II: 122FH2

Description

NMR offers comprehensive capabilities for quantitative investigation of the chemistry, structure and deterioration conditions of concrete. Single-sided NMR provides opportunities for nondestructive, spatially resolved field evaluation of concrete. A first-generation single-sided NMR system was developed in Phase I project, and its potential for investigation of concrete deterioration mechanisms was demonstrated through laboratory and preliminary field investigations. The Phase II project will develop and validate an advanced single-sided NMR device and the corresponding operation/data analysis procedures for achieving a greater depth of penetration, and improved precision and thoroughness in quantitative analysis of the concrete structure and deterioration conditions. The Phase II project will be implemented in two parts. The focus of Part 1 will be on development of the improved NMR system, and validation of its enhanced attributes through laboratory and field investigations of concrete at different states of deterioration. Various analytical chemistry methods will be employed for verifying and calibrating the NMR test data. The focus of Part 2 will be on performance of more comprehensive field and laboratory investigations towards through validation and refinement of the NMR system and operation/data analysis procedures for reliable identification and spatially resolved quantification of the prevalent processes of concrete deterioration.