Title: A critical review of infrared thermography as a method for non-destructive evaluation of FRP rehabilitated structures

Authors: Kumar K. Ghosh, Vistasp M. Karbhari

Addresses: Department of Structural Engineering, University of California San Diego, MC-0085, University Center, Building 409, La Jolla, CA 92093-0085, USA. ' Department of Structural Engineering, University of California San Diego, MC-0085, University Center, Building 409, La Jolla, CA 92093-0085, USA

Abstract: The increasing use of fibre reinforced composites as externally bonded reinforcement on concrete as a means of rehabilitation has created a need for the development and implementation of rapid methods of field level non-destructive evaluation. These methods must provide inspectors with the ability not only to inspect structures for defects, but also to be amenable for use in varying field conditions and as a means of comparing size and location of defects between periods of inspection. Infrared thermography, which essentially uses data from temperature differentials to detect and characterise defects and anomalies, presents a potentially efficient technique for non-contact, real-time inspection and data interpretation. This paper provides a review of the technique itself, while assessing the variations thereof. It also provides a critical assessment of challenges that must be overcome before the method can be routinely used as a means of inspection of externally bonded fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites.

Keywords: concrete structures; defects; fibre reinforced polymer composites; FRP composites; non-destructive evaluation; NDE; rehabilitation; infrared thermography; structural inspection; defect size; defect location; real-time inspection; data interpretation; critical infrastructures.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2006.008882

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2006 Vol.25 No.4, pp.241 - 266

Published online: 02 Feb 2006 *

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