Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for the chemical investigation of concrete - Status of practical application and regulations in Germany
- Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is an advanced, yet still underutilized, analytical technique that has gained increasing recognition for its potential in evaluating cementitious materials. Over the past several years, LIBS has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in providing detailed insights into the microstructural and chemical properties of concrete, with particular relevance to durability studies and service life assessment.
One of the defining features of LIBS is its high spatial resolution, which enables precise mapping of ion transport processes within the binder matrix. This ability is critical for understanding concrete behavior under diverse environmental and operational conditions, such as chloride ingress, sulfate attack, or carbonation. By allowing the simultaneous detection of multiple elements, LIBS is uniquely suited for investigating complex interactions, including the co-migration of ions. Such comprehensive analyses yield detailed ion ingress profiles,Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) is an advanced, yet still underutilized, analytical technique that has gained increasing recognition for its potential in evaluating cementitious materials. Over the past several years, LIBS has demonstrated exceptional capabilities in providing detailed insights into the microstructural and chemical properties of concrete, with particular relevance to durability studies and service life assessment.
One of the defining features of LIBS is its high spatial resolution, which enables precise mapping of ion transport processes within the binder matrix. This ability is critical for understanding concrete behavior under diverse environmental and operational conditions, such as chloride ingress, sulfate attack, or carbonation. By allowing the simultaneous detection of multiple elements, LIBS is uniquely suited for investigating complex interactions, including the co-migration of ions. Such comprehensive analyses yield detailed ion ingress profiles, improving the accuracy of key input parameters used in service life models. As a result, LIBS contributes to more reliable predictions of a structure's remaining lifespan and its susceptibility to environmental degradation.
In addition to ion profiling, LIBS is particularly effective in identifying local anomalies that would otherwise not be detected by conventional methods. For instance, LIBS can reveal zones of elevated ion concentration in microcracks or other vulnerable regions, offering critical insights into structural integrity. LIBS supports the assessment of repair processes not only during application but also over long-term monitoring periods, thus contributing to the optimization of rehabilitation strategies.
This presentation showcases a series of practical applications of LIBS in the laboratory analysis of building materials, supported by extensive comparative studies. Case studies highlight LIBS's transformative role in repair planning and decision-making, emphasizing its capacity to revolutionize infrastructure monitoring and maintenance.…

