In-situ determination of the diffusion coefficient of 222Rn in concrete

Measurements of the effective diffusion coefficient, De, of 222Rn in concrete are important for accurate determination of transport mechanisms and computer modeling of radon entry into structures. A method for in-situ determination of De as well as the emanation fraction, F, is described. It is based on continuous measurement of the radon flux from an intact slab and the concentrations on both sides. A non-linear regression algorithm was used to fit these data to the steady state solution to Fick's law. The regression output includes estimates of both De and F. The method has the advantage over typical laboratory procedures since it measures an undisturbed surface area of concrete where the samples exhibit moisture, temperature, and loading conditions that are experienced in a real structure. Effective diffusion coefficients ranged from 1.1 x 10(-8) to 4.4 x 10(-8) m2 s-1 for measurements of concrete floor slabs in two structures. The measured emanation fraction of radon in concrete in one structure was 0.2 +/- 0.02. A sensitivity analysis indicated that the values of De and F estimated by the regression procedure are strongly dependent on the thickness of the slab. The porosity of the concrete had little affect on the regression results.