Relationship between radon and oxygen diffusion coefficients in OPC concretes

One of the solutions used to limit radon in buildings is to install membrane-type barriers, a costly solution for large surfaces. As concrete often forms the building envelope with the ground, it is interesting to investigate its performance as a barrier, i.e. its radon exhalation, which depends on the radon diffusion coefficient and thickness. Experimentally obtaining the radon diffusion coefficient in concrete is complicated, so it would be useful to be able to use an analytical method for its estimation from parameters that are easier to obtain, such as the oxygen diffusion coefficient, which can be determined experimentally with less difficulty and could even be estimated analytically. This article describes a study carried out to establish the relationship between oxygen and radon diffusion coefficients in concrete with Ordinary Portland Cement, based on tests for various types of concrete.