The use of X-rays in the investigation of ferrocement

Two of the main problems with the development of ferrocement for use in the developed world are confidence in the amount and type of reinforcement and the penetration of the matrix. It is always possible to take cores but these are only capable of providing a spot check, leave unsightly holes and are obviously not suited for water retaining structures. What is required is a non-destructive test that may be applied with confidence. Other parts of the construction industry use different types of process depending on the task in hand. Examples are: ? Ground probing radar for the location of underground voids ? Thermography to establish heat loss from buildings ? Ultrasonics to find cracks in either steel or concrete and to provide estimates of strength ? X-ray to find voids in welds. This paper concentrates on the results of the X-ray investigation carried out as part of a larger investigation into the possibility of using these techniques when applied to ferrocement and to provide guidance for future research. To compare the different methodologies a number of test specimens were cast with known faults..