Determination of moisture levels in structural concrete using pulsed NMR

An investigation has been conducted of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as the basis for nondestructively measuring moisture content in concrete. Results of a laboratory feasibility study conducted on a variety of concrete cylinders showed the NMR signatures to correlate well with evaporable moisture independently of cement type, water/cement ratio or chloride content; however, magnetic minerals contained in certain aggregates affected the correlation. On the basis of the feasibility study, an NMR Moisture Measurement system for nondestructively measuring moisture from one surface of reinforced bridge decks was designed and fabricated.