Abstract:
This work reports a new, convenient,
quality-control technique for rapidly and
unequivocally establishing the
homogeneity, water content, and indicative
final compression strength of concrete,
both in pre-poured (wet form) and post
poured (dry form) states.
Extremely tiny
quantities of a range of unique
Datatrace-DNAŽ marker materials are
incorporated within the components of
concrete during its formulation. These
markers impart the concrete with an
invisible spectral signature that provides
an accurate and reliable measure of its
mixing homogeneity, water content, and
likely final compression strength.
At any time
after the addition of the markers, these
key properties can be quickly and easily
monitored using a small, custom-designed
electronic reader. The interrogation
process involves line-of-sight contact
between the reader and the concrete, with
each reading complete in seconds (see
chart below).
This technique
provides, for the first time, a quality
control measure with which to rapidly and
reliably establish the key physical
properties of a batch of concrete before
it is poured. As the Datatrace DNAŽ
markers are extremely robust and durable;
the invisible spectral signature remains
intact within the concrete for at least 25
years after pouring.
As such, the
Datatrace DNAŽ Concrete Quality Control
test provides a ubiquitous and
long-lasting measure of the quality of the
concrete. |