Description of Moisture Thermal Patterns in Concrete for the Thermal Inspection Method by Infrared Thermography

The aim of this paper is to collect graphical information (with thermal images) on how moistures can appear in building materials such as concrete, and to develop a method that detects moisture using infrared thermography. This research work was prompted by the fact that moisture is one of the greatest building pathologies, along with the fact that there are insufficient standards and documentation for using this technology in specific applications such as moisture detection. Real specimens of concrete were built with the specific purpose of generating moisture. Infrared images (thermograms) were then taken to show their development, and were analysed with FLIR Tools+ and FLIR ThermaCAM Researcher software. The results of the experiments revealed important information for defining the thermal patterns to be detected. Using this information, the graphic characteristics of a typical qualitative (without measurement of temperatures) thermal pattern in a wet material are described, as well as the qualitative thermal pattern of the rise in capillarity, which is suffered by a part of the material. In addition, the humidity levels were checked with a thermo hygrometer to confirm the different areas shown by thermography in the previous thermal patterns. This research will be useful for professionals who have the suitable equipment for moisture detection and treatment, because once the visible moisture marks have been produced, they endure regardless of whether or not the material is damp.