Developments in Assessing the Structural Integrity of Applied Surfaces to Concrete Buildings

Abstract

Debonding, leading to the subsequent detachment of applied finishes to concrete buildings, is becoming a serious problem in many parts of the world. Checking building elevations by employing the technique of Infra‐red Thermography using a process developed by the writer can give advance warning of potential defects. This can enable early remedial action to be undertaken to repair a building surface before it becomes detached from the concrete substrate, possibly resulting in a hazard to passers‐by. The thermographic test method has been compared with other more traditionally used NDT methods including sounding, rebound hammer, and ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements. Although the thermographic equipment is initially more expensive, the surveying method can be shown to be faster and more accurate than any other technique currently available for this type of building evaluation.

Citation

Stanley, C.C. and Balendran, R.V. (1994), "Developments in Assessing the Structural Integrity of Applied Surfaces to Concrete Buildings", Structural Survey, Vol. 12 No. 4, pp. 4-9. https://doi.org/10.1108/02630809410072972