Infrared Thermography Inspection Procedures for the Non-Destructive Evaluation of FRP Composites Bonded to Reinforced Concrete

摘要

Infrared thermography (IRT) is an NDE technique that can be used to evaluate the bond between FRP composites and concrete. The objective of this paper is to highlight findings from a multi-phase study investigating the use of IR thermography to evaluate bond. Two IRT methods are described: pulse and step heating. Experimental results for small scale specimens containing fabricated defects are discussed as well as IRT inspection results for an in-service AASHTO girder that was strengthened with FRP. A significant finding is that FRP system properties (thickness, fiber/matrix type) strongly affect IRT results.