Modeling of the horizontal and vertical anomalies in a reinforced concrete slab and their detection by using infrared thermography method

Abstract

This article deals with the application of infrared thermography in the detection of anomalies in a reinforced concrete slab. This defect takes several forms, namely, horizontal, vertical, oblique, or spherical. In a previous article, in this journal (Vol 8, Issue 2), the case of inclined and spherical defect was investigated, while, in this one, it has studied the defect in horizontal and vertical positions, while varying, on one hand, the properties of the slab and, on the other hand, the characteristics of the defect. With finite element simulation software (COMSOL Multi-Physics), different simulations have been carried out to derive results on infrared thermography in reinforced concrete slabs. Following this study, the horizontal anomalies are easily detectable compared to the vertical ones, and the nature of the defect (air, water, and ice) influences the detection and that of the depth and width of the anomaly decides on the question of detectability, under the assumption that the infrared camera used in the detection is quite sensitive to the temperature contrast due to the presence of the anomaly.