Deterioration of concrete due to corrosion of embedded steel reinforcing bars and prestressing strands represents a significant challenge for inspection and maintenance engineers. Delaminations develop in the concrete manifest as spalling, which further exposes the steel to the corrosive environment and accelerates the deterioration process. The typical method for detecting these delaminations is hammer sounding, which requires hands-on access to the material under inspection. Specialized equipment and lane closures are frequently necessary to achieve the required access. Application of infrared imaging to detect the subsurface features in concrete can image such defects from a distance, such that direct access to the surface of the concrete is not required. However, the method relies on environmental conditions to create thermal gradients in the concrete so that these subsurface features can be detected. A study examined the optimum environmental conditions for detection of subsurface features in concrete. The goal was to provide guidance on the practical application of infrared imaging for inspection of concrete bridge components. The effects of solar loading from direct sunlight and wind speed have been examined to determine their impact on the detectability of subsurface features in concrete. The optimum time of day for detection of subsurface defects and the effect of their depth is discussed. Characteristics of optimum inspection conditions for using infrared cameras in the field are described.
Effects of Environmental Variables on Infrared Imaging of Subsurface Features of Concrete Bridges
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board ; 2108 , 1 ; 107-114
01.01.2009
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Effects of Environmental Variables on Infrared Imaging of Subsurface Features of Concrete Bridges
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|Engineering Index Backfile | 1915