PORTABLE LINEAR ACCELERATORS FOR X-RAY AND ELECTRON-BEAM APPLICATIONSIN CIVIL ENGINEERING

Portable linear accelerator systems are being used to provide high-int ensity X-rays for structural engineering studies a nd non-destructive testing in the USA and Europe. These devices greatly enhance the abili ty of engineers to examine structural members for hidden defects, as w ell as to study internal design and construction details of large buid ings, bridges, parking garages and other structures, including steel m embers up to 16'' thick and concrete over 62'' thick. The resulting ra diographic images are of excellent quality, enabling quick, reliable a nalysis of hidden conditions in the field. Three representative case s tudies are discussed in detail, and new developments are highlighted, including use of robotics for positioning and the use of accelerators for curing composite materials in-situ. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.