This report describes research completed to develop and implement infrared thermography, a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technology for the condition assessment of concrete bridge components. The overall goal of this research was to develop new technologies to help ensure bridge safety and improve the effectiveness of maintenance and repair. The objectives of the research were to 1) Quantify the capability and reliability of thermal imaging technology in the field; 2) Field test and validate inspection guidelines for the application of thermal imaging for bridge inspection; and 3) Identify and overcome implementation barriers. The project provided hand-held infrared cameras to participating state Departments of Transportation (project partners), trained individuals from these states in camera use, and conducted field tests of the technology. The reliability of the technology was assessed, and previously developed Guidelines for field use were evaluated through systematic field testing. The implementation of infrared thermography within the participating states was studied during the course of the research to identify implementation challenges experienced by users of the technology. Finite element modeling of the thermal behavior of concrete under typical environmental conditions was also completed to study the effects of defect depth and thickness and the effect of asphalt overlays. Overall, the verification testing and results reported through the implementation study showed that the Guidelines provided suitable conditions for detection of subsurface damage in concrete.
VIEW REPORT
VIEW APPENDICES
Report number: cmr16-007
Published: December 2015
Project number: TRyy1144
Author(s): Dr. Glenn Washer, Mike Trial, Alan Jungnitsch and Seth Nelson
Performing organizations: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia
