Estimation of cement content in concrete by spatially resolved laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

The cement content in concrete significantly influences critical properties such as durability, permeability, strength, and workability. Traditional methods for estimating the cement content face limitations. These include the need for comprehensive chemical and solubility knowledge, extensive sample preparation, and their time-consuming and destructive nature. This study investigates the application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as an alternative method. It involves probing concrete samples with high spatial resolution and analyzing the resultant spectra. The methodology is first tested on mesoscale concrete models to assess limitations and inherent errors. Subsequently, the methodology is applied to actual concrete samples with varying cement content and aggregate size distributions. The results demonstrate a promising accuracy, with an average relative error of approximately 8%. This paper offers a comprehensive evaluation of the method’s advantages, limitations, and factors influencing its practical applicability in field conditions.