The role of infrared thermography in NDT

Abstract

Infrared thermography (IRT) is becoming ever more popular in NonDestructive Testing (NDT) of materials and structures since it is completely noncontact and may be faster than many other techniques. In some cases, such as in the control of the envelope of a building, it is practically the unique technique, which, in one click, supplies a comprehensive image of the entire façade of the building with information about buried structures, tightness of envelope and fixtures, and presence of anomalies. The attention of this work is focused on the actual role of IRT in the NDT field. First, some basic principles of the two main techniques, which are Pulse termography (PT) and Lockin Thermography (LT) are briefly recalled and then some examples of application are presented. Such examples include laboratory tests and in situ inspections. Two types of specimens are considered: a glass fibre reinforced composite and masonry structure including different types of problems such as voids and cracks, and impact damage. Within the inspection in situ of buildings, information about the conservation state of masonry structures (overall degradation, crack network) were gained for planning of restoration. © RILEM 2013.