Development of automated condition assessment system for concrete bridge decks using airborne and ground infrared thermography

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The proposed research will investigate using airborne and ground infrared thermography (IR) to detect subsurface defects in concrete bridge decks. Airborne imaging surveys of bridge decks will be conducted using an advanced hyperspectral and thermal imaging camera with adequate spatial resolution and thermal sensitivity. Ground infrared will be carried out on the same bridge decks using a vehicle mounted infrared camera. Regular visual data will be collected synchronously with the infrared data so that surface features such as staining and patching can be differentiated and mapped in the infrared images. Following field data collection, the University team will normalise the data using data mining approaches and develop an automated image segmentation algorithm using a region growing technique to reconstruct a high contrast composite image accurately delineating subsurface defects. This will result in quantifying and mapping bridge deck deterioration. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys on the same bridge decks will be executed in a series of lines spaced 3 feet transversely across the width of each deck. The GPR data will be analyzed and mapped by the University researchers to examine the IRT results. Subsequently, a bridge deck condition index based on the IRT data will be developed utilizing unsupervised data clustering of the artificial neural networks technique. An automated software will be developed thereafter to facilitate the implementation of the proposed system. It is believed that coupled IR and GPR surveys of bridge decks will position the industry partner on the cutting edge of technology in this field, enhancing its competitiveness and profitability.