Condition Assessment of Reinforced Concrete Bridge Deck Using Infrared Thermography

Abstract

Estimation of extent of deterioration in concrete bridge decks is a challenge. Non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques are significant since they provide fast, easy, and economical way to detect delaminations, cracks, voids, and corrosion in bridge decks. In the present work, an attempt has been made to assess the effectiveness of infrared thermography (IRT) method in detecting various subsurface flaws of bridge decks. Thus, a test facility containing concrete bridge deck induced with various artificial defects is constructed. This study concludes that IRT can quickly scan large areas and identify potential locations of defects, particularly at shallow depths, up to 50 mm depth from surface in this study. Therefore, it can be highly useful for field inspections of bridges. The ideal time for field testing is estimated to be 4–5 h after sunrise. However, it can be suitably used along with other NDT techniques and their combination would yield better results.