Characterisation of the gas transport properties of porous materials by determining the radon diffusion coefficient

• Published in: Materials and structures Vol. 32; no. 224; pp. 749 - 754
• Main Authors: KLINK, T, GABER, K, SCHLATTNER, E, SETZER, M.J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01.12.1999; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building construction; Building materials; Buildings. Public works; Civil engineering; Concrete construction; Concrete slabs; Concretes; Concretes. Mortars. Grouts; Diffusion; Diffusion coefficient; Diffusion rate; Durability. Pathology. Repairing. Maintenance; Exact sciences and technology; Gas transport; Inert; Low concentrations; Materials; Miscellaneous; Mortars; Mortars (material); Porous materials; Project management. Process of design; Properties and performance tests of mortar and hardened concrete; Radioactive decay; Radon; Slabs; Transport properties; Measuring instrument; Gaseous diffusion; Leakproofness; Mortar; Health and environment; Radon; Concrete; Measurement method; Porosity; Slabs; Porous material
• ISSN: 1359-5997; 1871-6873
• DOI: 10.1007/bf02905071

A method for the determination of the diffusion coefficient of materials by using the radioactive gas radon is presented. This gas is inert and extremely low concentrations can be detected because of the radioactive decay. The method was applied to mortars and concretes in order to optimise their composition with respect to a low radon diffusion rate. These optimised materials are to be used for concrete slabs in buildings. Compared to regular concrete, a reduction of the radon diffusion rate by more than 90% could be achieved.Original Abstract: L'article presente une methode destinee a la determination du coefficient de diffusion de materiaux poreux a l'aide du gaz noble radon. En raison de la decroissance radioactive de ce gaz inerte, on peut mesurer des concentrations extremement basses. Cette methode etait appliquee afin d'optimiser la composition du beton et du mortier dans le but d'obtenir un coefficient de diffusion aussi faible que possible. Ces betons et mortiers optimises seront utilises pour des dalles dans des batiments. Compare a des betons de composition moyenne, une reduction du taux de diffusion du radon de plus de 90% a pu etre realisee.