The objective of this research is to evaluate the applicability of digital infrared thermographic system to detect subsurface defects such as debonds and delaminations in Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bridge decks and other composite bridge components such as beams and columns wrapped with steel or FRP jacket.; This thesis investigates the use of digital infrared thermography on FRP bridge decks both under laboratory and field conditions. Air-filled and water-filled debonds were inserted between the wearing surface and the underlying FRP deck. Also, simulated subsurface delaminations (of various sizes and thickness) were created at the flange-to-flange junction between two FRP deck modules.; The results show that infrared thermography is a useful tool for defect detection in composite decks. Therefore, the technique can be used for several applications such as quality control during pultrusion of new decks (in factories), during field construction, and field inspection of in-service decks. The technique was also successful in detecting subsurface defects in various other composite components considered in this study. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
展开▼
