Active thermography as a quality assurance for structural engineering

Author(s): F.U. Vogdt, F. Schaudienst, M. Walsdorf-Maul
Paper category: Conference
Book title: Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting III (ICCRRR)
Editor(s): M.G. Alexander, H.-D. Beushausen, F. Dehn, P. Moyo
Print ISBN: 978-0-415-89952-9
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Pages: 276- 277
Total Pages: 2
Language: English

Abstract: 
In the area of building physics, the application of passive thermography in structural engineering makes it possible to determine the surface temperatures of structures or whole buildings. With this method thermal bridges in the building envelope can be qualitatively detected based on localised temperature differences. In this respect, thermography has become established as a measuring method for evaluating a building from an energy point of view and is influenced by the relevant European standards. Active thermography is another area of application for non-destructive analysis of building elements. The analysed building elements are heated up by using an external heat source so that the time-dependent cooling process is thermographically investigated. Therefore, the transient heat flux is observed by recording the temperature change at the surface as a function of time. If there are temperature differences on the surface of the building element, inhomogeneities inside the building element can be measured. Two preconditions for reliable results are necessary: the structure of the building element and material are the same. This application offers new possibilities for detecting voids and honeycombing in concrete. Furthermore safety relevant defects like voids in tendon ducts and cracks in concrete are visible. This paper deals with investigations of consoles from stucco in one of the oldest mosques in Germany and the application of active thermography as practice in structural engineering.

Online publication: 2014
Publication Type: abstract_only
Public price (Euros): 0.00