Thermographic Imaging of Subsurface Deterioration in Concrete Bridges

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.

• Record URL:
  https://doi.org/10.3141/2201-04
• Summary URL:
  http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Thermographic+Imaging+of+Subsurface+Deterioration+in+Concrete+Bridges&author=G.+Washer&author=N.+Bolleni&author=R.+Fenwick&publication_year=2010
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/Bridge_Engineering_2010_Volume_2_164563.aspx
• Authors:
  • Washer, Glenn
  • Bolleni, Naveen
  • Fenwick, Richard
• Publication Date: 2010

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: pp 27-33
• Monograph Title: Bridge Engineering 2010, Volume 2
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 2201
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Concrete bridges; Corrosion; Delamination; Deterioration; Field tests; Highway bridges; Nondestructive tests; Temperature gradients
• Uncontrolled Terms: Infrared imaging; Soffits; Subsurface deterioration; Thermal imaging
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Highways; I24: Design of Bridges and Retaining Walls;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01322216
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309160421
• Report/Paper Numbers: 7IBEC-0056
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 6 2010 2:46PM