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Updated: Jul 12, 2026

Neutron Radiography and Computed Tomography of Biological Systems at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Flux Isotope Reactor
Published on: May 7, 2021
The drying process of concrete: a neutron radiography study
F C de Beer1, W J Strydom, E J Griesel
1Nuclear Technology Division, NECSA, PO Box 582, Pretoria 0001, South Africa. fdebeer@necsa.co.za
Abstract:
The natural drying process of concrete, which has a significant effect on its characteristics, for example durability, was studied at the neutron radiography facility at SAFARI-1 nuclear research reactor, operated by Necsa. Monitoring of the movement of the water in concrete samples, which were wet cured for one day and covered on all the sides but one, was done by means of a CCD camera system. In this paper the methodology in observing the drying process will be described together with results obtained from this investigation. The measured water content and porosity results were quantified and compared reasonably well with conventional gravimetrical measurements.
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