Damage assessment of steel-plate concrete composite walls by using infrared thermography: a preliminary study

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using active infrared thermography to detect damage in steel–concrete composite shear walls. An analysis of the transient curves following step heating reveals differences in the transient thermal curves of sound and damaged zones. Contrast and statistical-based techniques are used for discrimination. Theoretical considerations to the implications of detect determination are reviewed, and challenges highlighted to the deployment of this technology for this application. Primary findings hold promise for the future utilization of infrared for detection in this type of structure. © 2016, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.