Detection of Voids Underneath Concrete Pavements Using Infrared Thermography

This report describes preliminary theoretical and experimental investigations of a technique for void detection beneath concrete pavements. The technique is based upon use of infrared thermography and the hypothesis that the surface temperature of the pavement over the void is slightly different than the surface temperature of pavement in contact with the base material. Experimental investigations were conducted on a concrete slab 12 ft x 21 ft x 8 inches thick which was cast at Balcones Research Center. Three voids of known locations and dimensions were created beneath the slab. Thermistors were installed at various locations in the concrete slab and in the soil beneath the slab to monitor air, ground, and soil temperatures. An infrared scanning camera system was installed on a truck-mounted frame. Thermistor scans were conducted on five dates and an infrared scan was conducted on one date in late 1980. Results of the experimental studies show that thin voids can be detected by the infrared thermography technique. The technique is sensitive to environmental factors and needs additional investigation to determine optimum applications.

• Record URL:
  • https://library.ctr.utexas.edu/digitized/texasarchive/phase1/246-2-ctr.pdf
• Summary URL:
  • https://library.ctr.utexas.edu/Presto/catalogid=3136
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/77963
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Research Study Title: Polymer Concrete for Concrete Pavement Rehabilitation.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Texas, Austin

  Center for Transportation Research
  Austin, TX  United States 

  Texas State Department of Highways & Public Transportation

  Transportation Planning Division, P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Bukowski, Mark E
  • Tucker, Richard L
  • Fowler, David W
• Publication Date: 1983-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Interim Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 117p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air voids; Concrete pavements; Detection and identification; Infrared detectors; Thermistors; Thermographs
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01933394
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/TX-84/39+246-2, Research Report 246-2
• Contract Numbers: Research Study 3-18-79-246
• Files: NTL, TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Oct 12 2024 4:11PM