Thermal Imaging Void Detection for Steel-Plated Concrete Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting voids in concrete composite members covered with steel plates are limited by real-time monitoring and subjective judgment, making precise detection challenging, especially in large structures like nuclear power plants.
Innovation Solution
A method using thermal imaging to detect temperature differences between voids and non-voids in concrete composite members, setting a reference temperature difference based on on-site conditions, and performing additional compaction on detected voids to improve construction quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermal imaging is used to detect voids in real-time during construction, then measurement precision and real-time detection capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical敲击 inspection method with thermal imaging technology. Instead of manually hitting the steel plate surface with a rubber hammer and listening to sound differences, the system uses thermal cameras to detect temperature variations on the steel plate surface, which are caused by voids blocking heat conduction from the concrete. This substitution of detection mechanism improves measurement precision while the system complexity is managed through software-based temperature difference analysis.
2Device complexity
If traditional敲击 inspection method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and real-time detection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical敲击 inspection method with thermal imaging technology. Instead of manually hitting the steel plate surface with a rubber hammer and listening to sound differences, the system uses thermal cameras to detect temperature variations on the steel plate surface, which are caused by voids blocking heat conduction from the concrete. This substitution of detection mechanism improves measurement precision while the system complexity is managed through software-based temperature difference analysis.
3Ease of operation
If manual敲击 inspection is performed, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity and real-time monitoring capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time monitoring of the concrete pouring process using thermal imaging. The thermal camera continuously captures temperature distributions on the steel plate surface, allowing inspectors to monitor void formation as it occurs during the entire pouring process rather than performing discrete manual inspections at separate locations. This continuous monitoring significantly improves productivity and real-time detection capability while maintaining ease of operation through automated analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a thermal image copy or representation of the steel plate surface temperature distribution. The thermal camera captures the temperature field on the steel plate, and the system processes these thermal images to generate visual representations showing void locations. This copying approach allows for automated analysis and record-keeping, improving both productivity and the ability to review inspection results.
4Productivity
If thermal imaging is used for real-time void detection, then productivity and real-time monitoring are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex temperature analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service inspection system where the thermal imaging equipment automatically performs the detection and analysis functions. The system autonomously captures thermal images, calculates temperature differences between different regions of the steel plate, identifies void locations based on temperature patterns, and generates inspection results without requiring manual intervention for the complex analytical steps. This automation maintains ease of operation while achieving high productivity through real-time monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the thermal imaging system continuously monitors temperature distributions and provides real-time feedback about void formation. The system compares current thermal patterns against expected patterns or previous measurements, automatically alerts operators to detected voids, and can even provide guidance for corrective actions. This feedback loop simplifies operation by presenting processed, actionable information rather than raw temperature data requiring complex manual analysis.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise real-time detection and prevention of voids, enhancing construction quality by allowing for targeted additional compaction based on thermal image measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a method for detecting a void by sensing a temperature difference, using a thermal image, generated as heat conduction is blocked by a low thermal conductivity of the void
Implementation Method 2
measuring a steel plate surface temperature of an area in which concrete is poured using a thermal image
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for detecting a void in a concrete composite member covered with a steel plate using a thermal image, and a method for managing the construction of a concrete composite member covered with a steel plate by applying same. The method for detecting a void inside a concrete composite member covered with a steel plate, according to the present invention, comprises: a first step for setting a reference temperature difference which is a criterion for determining the presence of a void, wherein the reference temperature difference is set to be, in accordance with an on-site temperature and a concrete pouring temperature, the difference in temperature between a non-void and a void inside a concrete composite member covered with a steel plate; a second step for measuring the on-site temperature and the concrete pouring temperature prior to the construction of the concrete composite member covered with the steel plate, and extracting, from the reference temperature difference set in the first step, a reference temperature difference corresponding to the measured on-site temperature and concrete pouring temperature; and a third step for, during the construction of the concrete composite member covered with the steel plate, measuring, by means of a thermal image, the steel plate surface temperature of an area where concrete is poured, and determining, to be a void, a section where the difference between the measured steel plate surface temperature and the temperature of a surrounding part thereof is equal to or greater than the reference temperature difference extracted in the second step, wherein the on-site temperature in the first and second steps is set to be the outside air temperature at the site or the average temperature of the steel plate surface temperature measured by means of the thermal image at the site prior to pouring concrete. By means of such method, after the void is detected, the section determined to be the void is additionally compacted, and thus the void may be eliminated.