A novel method for deterioration assessment in concrete using colorimetry analysis

Image-based deterioration analysis deals with estimating the correlation between the extent of deterioration in terms of changes in colour profiles of deteriorated surfaces with changes in the residual strength and durability. Analysis was performed on images of cubes of concrete immersed in acid, chloride and sulphate at 5% concentration for a period of 3, 7, 14 and 28 days. The colour profiles of deteriorated surfaces are analysed in CIE-XYZ colour space, and the respective chromaticity diagrams are investigated. The nature of change in the colour profile for respective immersion was investigated, attaining to the sample's absorption rate of the reagent, reagent concentration that was required to initiate chemical reactions and their respective reactivity rates. This study thus enables image-based identification of damage, analytical and non-subjective evaluation of the extent of deterioration and provides an insight into the interrelationship between the extent of deterioration and the performance in terms of strength and durability.