There is need for a device that nonintrusively measures moisture content of fresh and hardened concrete. Its procedure must be quick and simple. It might also be used for measuring moisture in other materials, such as sand and soil. Technical Innovations proposes using capacitance, microwave, or conductivity techniques to measure dielectric constant, which is related to moisture content. Although the dielectric approach to aquametry has been used in other applications, this application is unique in terms of sample thickness and heterogeneity. In Phase 1, they will determine the feasibility of such a device through actually constructing many prototypes,, perfecting their design, and studying their performance. They will research the 3-way correlation between moisture content and dielectric constants of both whole concrete and its constituents. In Phase 11, they will take the most promising prototype from Phase I and refine the design to yield a practical, marketable meter.Anticipated Results and
Potential Commercial Applications: The final device would nonintrusively measure moisture in fresh and hardened concrete. The procedure would simply entail positioning the probes against the sample and reading moisture content from a display. It would find use in field evaluation of structures, in concrete QC, and concrete research.
