Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete Specimens Using Thermography
Abstract
The present study evaluates the surface temperature of concrete specimens subjected to an aggressive environment using passive infrared thermography. Specimens of ordinary concrete (OC) and sulfate-resistant concrete (SRC) were analyzed. The maximum, minimum and average surface temperatures, as well as the temperature range (ΔT), were determined for each specimen. A statistically significant effect of the storage environment on the average surface temperature (Tavg) was established (F(1,8) = 22.93; p = 0.001; ηp² = 0.741). The obtained results confirm the applicability of thermography as a comparative non-destructive method for monitoring changes in the surface thermal behavior of concrete specimens.
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Introduction
Concrete is widely used as a structural material for the construction of floors, manure alleys, channels and other facilities in livestock buildings. Its condition is considered important for the durability of structures as well as for hygiene, movement safety and animal health. Concrete surfaces are required to provide mechanical resistance, ease of cleaning and sufficient slip resistance [1].
The operating environment in livestock buildings is characterized by high humidity and prolonged contact with manure, urine, feed residues and cleaning water. As a result, concrete is subjected to complex chemical and physical effects [2]. Changes in the cement matrix, increased porosity and gradual deterioration of the surface layer may be caused by organic acids, ammonium compounds, sulfates and manure decomposition products [3], [4]. Additional effects may be induced by microbial activity in the presence of moisture and organic matter [5].
For the assessment of these changes, methods that do not affect the integrity of the investigated elements are required [6]. Infrared thermography (IRT) is considered an applicable non-contact and non-destructive method in which infrared radiation emitted from the surface is converted into a temperature field. Differences in the thermal response of concrete may be associated with changes in thermal conductivity, heat capacity, density, porosity and moisture content [6], [7], [9], [12]. The method is applied to identify thermal anomalies associated with internal inhomogeneities, voids, delamination and changes in moisture conditions [8], [10], [11].
In passive infrared thermography, no additional thermal excitation is applied and the natural temperature response of the material is recorded. The obtained results may be influenced by moisture content, ambient temperature, air movement, measurement distance and measurement angle. Therefore, measurements are required to be performed under as uniform conditions as possible and the interpretation of the results should be based primarily on quantitative temperature parameters [6]–[8].
Based on the reviewed scientific literature, no studies involving the application of infrared thermography to concrete elements subjected to manure exposure were identified.
The aim of the present study was to perform a comparative assessment of the surface thermal behavior of ordinary and sulfate-resistant concrete specimens after storage in manure using passive infrared thermography.
Conclusion
Based on the conducted study, the following main conclusions were drawn:
- High technical repeatability was demonstrated by passive infrared thermography, with a coefficient of variation of Tavg below 1.1% for all investigated concrete specimens.
- After six months of storage in an aggressive manure environment, statistically significant changes in the surface temperature parameters were established. A pronounced effect of the storage environment on Tavg was recorded, F(1,8) = 22.93; p = 0.001; ηp² = 0.741.
- An increase in the average surface temperature (Tavg) from 16.78 to 20.05 °C was observed for ordinary concrete and from 14.01 to 19.68 °C for sulfate-resistant concrete. However, a statistically significant interaction between concrete type and storage environment was not established. Therefore, the greater temperature change observed for sulfate-resistant concrete may be considered a possible response associated with its specific composition and interactions with the aggressive environment.
- The observed temperature changes cannot be independently considered a quantitative indicator of the degree of concrete deterioration. The obtained results may provide preliminary information on the general condition of the concrete specimens. Further investigations using additional testing methods are required to evaluate changes in their mechanical properties.
References
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