Researchers from the RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics (RAP), a Japanese research institute, have devised a method, using the RANS compact neutron source, to non-destructively measure the salt content of structures such as bridges, tunnels, and elevated roadways, which can suffer from degradation due to exposure to salt from seawater and other sources. Inspections are typically time-consuming and gauging the salt content of a cement structure often requires a core to be bored out. The test is time consuming and can also cause damage to a structure.
"Researchers were able to demonstrate the presence of salt even when it was surrounded by between 12 and 18 centimeters of concrete. Each measurement took about 10 minutes."
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