Study of building materials impregnation processes by quasi-real-time neutron radiography

Neutron radiography (NR) is a useful non-destructive method for determinati on of hydrogen content in various building and technical materials. Monitor ing of transport processes of moisture and hydrogenous liquids in porous bu ilding materials is enabled by fast, quasi-real-time NR methods based on no vel imaging plate neutron detectors (IP-NDs). Hydrogen content in the sampl es is determined by quantitative analysis of measured profiles of neutron a ttenuation in the samples. Detailed description of quantitative NR method i s presented by the authors in another accompanying contribution at this con ference. Deterioration of building materials is originated by different pro cesses that all require presence of water therefore it is essential to limi t or prevent the transport of water through the porous material. In this pr esentation, results of a study of clay brick impregnation by silicone based hydrophobic agents will be presented. Quantitative results obtained by NR imaging successfully explained the processes that occur during the impregna tion of porous materials. Efficiency of hydrophobic treatment was quantitat ively evaluated. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.