Title: Quantitative Infrared Thermography for Quality Control of Concrete Structures Strengthened with FRP Composites

Author(s): M. A. Starnes, N. J. Carino, and E. A. Kausel

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 209

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 247-268

Keywords: fiber reinforced polymer composites; finite eIement modeIing; infrared thermography; nondestructive testing

DOI: 10.14359/12504

Date: 9/26/2002

Abstract:
The finite-element method is used to carry out parametric analyses on the thermal response of simulated defects in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) lami- nates applied to a concrete substrate. The aim is to assess the potential for qualtitative infrared thermography in not only detecting a flaw but also being able to describe its physical characteristics. Three parametric studies are presented, namely: 1) relationship between the thermal input, the maximum signal, and the maximum surface temprature; 2) effects of flaw depth and the number of FRP layers; and 3) effect of flaw width. From these simulations, procedures are established for selecting the thermal input and estimating the flaw depth and width.