The methodology for defect quantification in concrete using IR thermography

This paper presents a procedure for detecting and quantifying defects in reinforced concrete structures by us-ing the method of active infrared thermography (IRT). For quantitative analysis, a methodology of thermal stimulation of concrete specimens and post-processing of the gathered data was developed. Presented methodology uses principles of step heating (SH) thermography, pulsed phase (PPT) thermography, principal component thermography (PCT) and correlation operators technique. A short descriptions of the post-processing methods used in the research is also provided in the paper. All three post-processing methods i.e. PPT, PCT and correlation operators technique have shown the pos-sibility to enhance the defect detection in concrete structures in comparison to raw thermograms. According to the data accessible to the authors, in presented research, correlation operators and PCT post-processing techniques are being suc-cessfully used for the first time for defect detection within concrete structures. The results of the research clearly show the possibility of using active IRT for the detection and assessment of defect depth (quantification) in reinforced concrete structures with the measurement error within 10%.

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Ultrasonic C-Scan Imaging: Preliminary Evaluation for Corrosion and Void Detection in Posttensioned Tendons

Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board ◽

10.3141/1827-06 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 1827 (1) ◽

pp. 44-52 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Shivprakash Iyer ◽

Andrea J. Schokker ◽

Sunil K. Sinha

Keyword(s):

Reinforced Concrete ◽

Concrete Structures ◽

Corrosion Monitoring ◽

Reinforced Concrete Structures ◽

Preliminary Evaluation ◽

Cell Potential ◽

Impact Echo ◽

Bridge Structures ◽

Processing Techniques ◽

User Friendly

Corrosion of the nation’s transportation infrastructure is a widespread and costly problem. The most prevalent durability issue in reinforced concrete structures is chloride-induced corrosion of the reinforcing steel. A reliable method of determining grout voids and corrosion levels in posttensioned bridge structures is needed. Traditional techniques of corrosion monitoring (e.g., half-cell potential and corrosion rate measurement) are problematic when used in this type of structure, as are standard nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods, such as impact echo. C-scan imaging, an ultrasonic technique used primarily in the composites industry for detecting delamination, is examined as a method of evaluating grouted posttensioned tendons. This method exhibits many promising qualities: it can be used for internal or external tendons and on metal or plastic ducts; access to only one side of a specimen is required; strong imaging allows easy interpretation of results; the technique poses no risk to users or the environment; and the method has strong potential for development as a handheld field tool. The C-scan technique may be valuable for the investigation of not only posttensioning applications but other types of reinforced concrete structures as well. Results of preliminary investigations on lab specimens indicate that the C-scan technique holds promise. The ultimate goal of the research is to provide a user-friendly, robust system for the NDE of posttensioned tendons for voids, corrosion, and wire breaks. Recommendations for optimal acquisition and processing techniques as well as for the future development of the equipment as a field tool are proposed.

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Principal Component Thermography for Defect Detection in Concrete

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s20143891 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (14) ◽

pp. 3891

Author(s):

Bojan Milovanović ◽

Mergim Gaši ◽

Sanjin Gumbarević

Keyword(s):

Infrared Thermography ◽

Defect Detection ◽

Concrete Structures ◽

Principal Component ◽

Processing Method ◽

Empirical Orthogonal Functions ◽

Thermal Excitation ◽

Post Processing ◽

Orthogonal Functions ◽

Defect Detectability

The goal of the condition assessment of concrete structures is to gain an insight into current condition of concrete and the existence of defects, which decrease durability and usability of the structure. Defects are quite difficult to detect using infrared thermography when concrete elements cannot be thermally excited with the Sun, together with unfavorable thermophysical properties of concrete structures. In this paper, principal component thermography (PCT) is applied as a post-processing method to a sequence of thermograms in order to enhance defect detectability in concrete structures. Defects are detected by analyzing a set of empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs), which were acquired by applying principal component analysis to a sequence of thermograms. The research was performed using concrete samples containing known defects, which were tested using a step heating thermography setup. The results of presented research show that PCT is an effective post-processing method to improve defect detection in concrete structures. By effectively improving the defect detection, PCT has a potential to improve the non-destructive testing (NDT) accuracy of using infrared thermography (IRT) on concrete structures, especially in shaded areas of such structures. The research also shows the defect detectability depending on concrete type thermal excitation setup and defect geometry.

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Design of precast reinforced concrete structures of frame buildings: a new set of rules

Promyshlennoe i Grazhdanskoe Stroitel stvo ◽

10.33622/0869-7019.2019.04.04-09 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 4-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Keyword(s):

Reinforced Concrete ◽

Concrete Structures ◽

Reinforced Concrete Structures ◽

Building Frames ◽

Fine Grained ◽

Rigid Frame ◽

Floor Slabs ◽

Frame Buildings ◽

Spatial System ◽

Precast Elements

Currently, prefabricated reinforced concrete structures are widely used for the construction of buildings of various functional purposes. In this regard, has been developed SP 356.1325800.2017 "Frame Reinforced Concrete Prefabricated Structures of Multi-Storey Buildings. Design Rules", which establishes requirements for the calculation and design of precast reinforced concrete structures of frame buildings of heavy, fine-grained and lightweight structural concrete for buildings with a height of not more than 75 m. The structure of the set of rules consists of eight sections and one annex. The document reviewed covers the design of multi-story framed beam structural systems, the elements of which are connected in a spatial system with rigid (partially compliant) or hinged joints and concreting of the joints between the surfaces of the abutting precast elements. The classification of structural schemes of building frames, which according to the method of accommodation of horizontal loads are divided into bracing, rigid frame bracing and framework, is presented. The list of structural elements, such as foundations, columns, crossbars, ribbed and hollow floor slabs and coatings, stiffness elements and external enclosing structures is given; detailed instructions for their design are provided. The scope of the developed set of rules includes all natural and climatic zones of the Russian Federation, except seismic areas with 7 or more points, as well as permafrost zones.

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Improvement Of Curvilinear Diagrams Of Concrete Deformation

Promyshlennoe i Grazhdanskoe Stroitel stvo ◽

10.33622/0869-7019.2019.08.99-104 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 99-104

Keyword(s):

Reinforced Concrete ◽

Peak Load ◽

Experimental Studies ◽

Concrete Structures ◽

Deformation Model ◽

Reinforced Concrete Structures ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Deformation Diagrams

Problems when calculating reinforced concrete structures based on the concrete deformation under compression diagram, which is presented both in Russian and foreign regulatory documents on the design of concrete and reinforced concrete structures are considered. The correctness of their compliance for all classes of concrete remains very approximate, especially a significant difference occurs when using Euronorm due to the different shape and sizes of the samples. At present, there are no methodical recommendations for determining the ultimate relative deformations of concrete under axial compression and the construction of curvilinear deformation diagrams, which leads to limited experimental data and, as a result, does not make it possible to enter more detailed ultimate strain values into domestic standards. The results of experimental studies to determine the ultimate relative deformations of concrete under compression for different classes of concrete, which allowed to make analytical dependences for the evaluation of the ultimate relative deformations and description of curvilinear deformation diagrams, are presented. The article discusses various options for using the deformation model to assess the stress-strain state of the structure, it is concluded that it is necessary to use not only the finite values of the ultimate deformations, but also their intermediate values. This requires reliable diagrams "s–e” for all classes of concrete. The difficulties of measuring deformations in concrete subjected to peak load, corresponding to the prismatic strength, as well as main cracks that appeared under conditions of long-term step loading are highlighted. Variants of more accurate measurements are proposed. Development and implementation of the new standard GOST "Concretes. Methods for determination of complete diagrams" on the basis of the developed method for obtaining complete diagrams of concrete deformation under compression for the evaluation of ultimate deformability of concrete under compression are necessary.

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