The deterioration of concrete bridge components due to corrosion presents a significant challenge for bridge owners worldwide. Deterioration commonly develops at the level of embedded reinforcing steel because of the expansion of corrosion products and resulting stresses in the concrete. As a result, deterioration cannot be detected with visual inspection until it has progressed sufficiently to be manifest in spalling or advanced deterioration of the concrete. This paper presents the results of a study to develop thermal imaging (infrared imaging) for detection of subsurface deterioration. This nondestructive evaluation technique detects delamination on the basis of resulting perturbations in the heat transfer characteristics of the concrete, which are manifest as variations in surface temperature. The technique has the advantage of being applied from a distance and thus reduces access and traffic control requirements. However, it depends on certain environmental conditions to achieve thermal gradients in the concrete needed to detect subsurface deterioration. This study explored the effects of environmental parameters on the detectability of delamination in concrete. Specifically, the effects of diurnal temperature changes on the detection of damage in the soffit area of bridges are reported. Experimental studies and field testing were conducted. This paper focuses on guideline requirements developed through the research for the effective application of the technology in the field and describes experience with application of the technology for the detection of deterioration in a typical highway bridge.


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    Title :

    Thermographic Imaging of Subsurface Deterioration in Concrete Bridges


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2010-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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