IR-UTD Infrared Inspection of Bridges & New Updates on Manual of Bridge Element Inspection
This presentation described advanced thermal imaging technologies for the condition assessment of bridges and new bridge inspection technology. Infrared Ultra-Time Domain imaging (IR-UTD) is a non-intrusive inspection technology that produces highly accurate and reproducible images of deterioration in concrete. The technology can be applied to bridge decks, without traffic control or lane closures, to detect subsurface damage (delamination). The IR-UTD technology can also be applied to other structures such as tunnel walls, tanks, chimneys, abutments, piers, etc. The presentation also discussed the Infrared Coating Inspection System (IR-CIS), a related thermal imaging technology that is capable of detecting coating damage such as corrosion under a coating, debonding, or lack of adhesion. Lastly, presentation presented an overview of recent efforts to improve the Manual for Bridge Element Inspection to improve the quality of element-level bridge inspections.
Dr. Paul Fuchs is the president of Fuchs Consulting, Inc. (FCI) and manager of ThermalStare. FCI has been in operation for over 21 years. ThermalStare was formed in 2014 to commercialize a suite of infrared-based instrument developed by FCI. Dr. Fuchs works in the area of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and instrumentation development. Dr. Fuchs has led many research projects and has provided services to several entities and State Departments of Transportation, including over 12 years of work with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) NDE Center and other groups.
Dr. Glenn Washer is a Professor at the University of Missouri and is a co-founder of ThermalStare. Before joining the University, Dr. Washer was with the FHWA at the Turner Fairbank Research Center (TFHRC) where he served as the director of the FHWA NDE program. Dr. Washer has expertise in a wide variety of NDE technologies for the condition assessment of highway bridges, including ultrasonic, thermography, ground penetrating radar, radiography and the visual inspection of bridges.
