A succinct review on the use of NMR spectroscopy in monitoring hydration, strength development, and inspection of concrete

Abstract

NMR is a very useful technique used in analytical chemistry for quality and molecular structure determination of a compound as well as its chemical environment. It works on the principle of the energy gap between two nuclei of an atom for an applied external magnetic field, due to their opposite spins. The potential of the three sub-categories of NMR (H-NMR or proton NMR, liquid-state NMR, and solid-state NMR) for monitoring hydration reaction in cement paste, early-age strength development in fresh concrete, and the inspection of hardened concrete has been elucidated in this paper. Powerful features of NMR in identifying the chemical environment and structure have made it possible for this technique in the evaluation of concrete subjected to sulfate attack and the estimation of the effect of alumino-silicate precursor on the strength of geopolymer. In this manuscript, various other applications of NMR in the non-destructive testing, quality checks, and monitoring of reactions in concrete and cement have been reviewed.