A method to estimate the water content of concrete shields

Abstract

The water content of concrete is of decisive importance for the effectiveness of a concrete shield against neutron radiation. In addition, it influences the thermal conductivity of concrete and thus the temperature distribution in a concrete shield. In the following, the modes by which water may be held within the concrete are described. Then, the major parameters affecting the water content of concrete are discussed and a method is given to estimate the water content of concrete both for the case of a drying concrete and for a concrete which is in moisture equilibrium with the surrounding atmosphere. The method is applicable for structural members exposed to temperatures up to 40°C. Some data are also given for the water content of concrete at elevated temperatures. In the final sections means of maintaining a high water content and experimental procedures to determine the water content of concrete are described.