ABSTRACT
Three novel microwave-assisted methods relevant to the concrete industry for use in accelerated curing, selective demolition, and recycling of concrete were introduced in Chapters 2 to 4. The efciency of these methods was illustrated using examples of results from experimental and numerical studies reported in the available literature. Although the microwave-assisted methods discussed seem to offer much promise in terms of efciency, promoting widespread adoption is not feasible unless these are demonstrated to be efcient, economical, and easy to use without compromising safety and health issues during implementation. In this chapter, the basic conguration and the various components of a typical industrial microwave heating system suitable for such applications are introduced. After dealing with the general system conguration, focus is then placed on the design of the microwave applicators. The characteristics of the applicator can signicantly affect the distribution and intensity of the incident microwave eld and thus the effects of the microwave eld on the material being processed. Therefore, familiarity with the design concepts and performance parameters related to microwave applicators is essential for the design of an efcient microwave heating system customised to suit the needs of a particular application.
