Image-based non-destructive evaluation method for building condition assessment

Abstract

Building condition assessment (BCA) is one of the important approaches in total asset management during the asset life cycle. BCA is to monitor the functional status of the asset during the asset use and maintenance phase in the asset life cycle. With regards to this, various non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technologies are adopted for building structure physical condition assessment from time to time to prevent any catastrophic incident to occur. Two case studies on inspection of internal structure condition of concrete wall and slab using image-based NDE were presented in this study. A well-known NDE technology, namely ground penetrating radar (GPR) was used to scan the concrete wall and slab to identify the internal structure condition of the concrete wall and slab. The GPR radargram obtained by the shorter wavelength radar signal is evaluated to resolve the internal structure and the defect in detail. Results of this study prove that GPR can detect the internal structure of the concrete wall and locate the moisture in the concrete slab due to poor waterproof design. With such convincing results, the application of GPR has set a new benchmark in BCA for building physical condition assessment; a crucial aspect for better building maintenance and management in total asset management.