New Research in Microwave Processing of Concrete

Microwave heating is a highly efficient technique for various thermal processes. It offers many advantages when compared to conventional processing methods such as rapid heating rates and short processing time which saves energy, deep penetration of the microwave energy that allows heat to be generated efficiently without directly contacting the work-piece, instantaneous and precise electronic control, and clean heating processes. This book presents a comprehensive study on the interaction between steel-reinforced concrete and microwave energy using a single-mode rectangular waveguide. The author begins by investigating the mechanisms of changes in the adaptive dielectric properties of concretes and reinforced concretes to predict how these properties are altered when microwave energy is applied. Next, the structural characteristics of microwave-cured concrete will be identified. Finally, the author formulates mathematical models to describe the relationship between microwave curing and mass transfer for steel-reinforced concrete. The obtained results show that dielectric properties are relatively high and remain constant during the dormant period. After this period, the hydration reaction resumes and dielectric properties decrease rapidly. This book consists of five chapters. Each chapter comprises an introduction, a discussion of the concept of the design and the concretes development, and the properties and testing of the concrete in fresh and hardened stages.