High speed chemical analysis of concrete surfaces using the LIBS method within the ILCOM project

For the assessment of the status of concrete structures the chemical analysis of the concrete surface (composition, chloride and sulphate content) is of major importance. Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) offers a powerful method to analyse concrete surfaces with a high local resolution and high speed. Concrete surfaces can be scanned line by line and relevant chemical elements can be semi-quantitatively analysed. This allows a quick determination of two-dimensional plots of these elements with much higher local resolutions than by the traditional methods like powder sampling and subsequent chemical analysis. A research and development project called ILCOM has been initiated with several partners from research and industry to develop a laboratory instrument with improved resolution and a mobile instrument to be used on site allowing a quick and adequate analysis of relevant elements like chlorides and sulphates of concrete surfaces. Within a few weeks the labo ratory instrument will be finalised and extensive calibration works using prefabricated concrete specimens with defined compositions will be carried out. In parallel the on-site instrument is under development. It is expected that both instruments will offer considerable new possibilities for an effective diagnosis of concrete structures as well as for quality control of concrete works. The project with its partners and aims as well as the actual status of the measurements are presented and discussed.