Assessing rebar corrosion through the combination of nondestructive GPR and IRT methodologies

Abstract

Corrosion is one of the pathologies that most affects the resistance of reinforced concrete. There are numerous ancient structures still in use affected by corrosion that need proper evaluation and remedial treatment for their maintenance. In this sense, there has been an increasing tendency to use nondestructive testing techniques that do not alter the reinforcement elements of such vulnerable structures. This work presents a combined methodology by using ground penetrating radar (GPR) and infrared thermography (IRT) techniques for the detection and evaluation of corrosion. The methodology was applied to the case study of an old construction that belongs to the abandoned military battery of Cabo Udra (Galicia, Spain). The combination of these complementary techniques allowed for the identification of areas with different dielectric and thermal conductivity, as well as different reflection patterns and intensity of the GPR waves. Thus, from the analysis of the GPR signals and IRT images acquired, it was possible to interpret corroded areas and moisture, along with inner damages such as cracking and debonding. These pathologies have a direct effect on the durability and sustentation of a structure, while the knowledge of their existence might be useful for engineers engaged in the design of maintenance works.