Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

Advances in infrared thermography have resulted in new camera technologies that can take digital images not only of visible light intensity but also of surface temperature. This exciting new technology will have enormous impact in advancing our ability to monitor and understand Civil Engineering systems. The thermal imaging camera requested in this proposal will support research programs aimed to: a) Protect our groundwater through collecting the field data required to make better regulations for landfill construction processes, b) Understand the fundamental mechanisms involved in the failure of advanced FRP composite materials by detecting the onset of debonding, c) Validate the thermal efficiencies gained by using FRP instead of steel materials as shear dowels in sandwiched structural panels, d) Develop a tool to detect local defects in composite materials due to poor workmanship, e) Assess the ability of infrared thermography to monitor the long term degradation of structures, and to f) Use the combination of the requested thermal imaging camera and the requested soil inclinometer to develop and assess monitoring tools for observing the warning signs of future slope instability (e.g. zones of seasonal groundwater seepage and pre-failure slope movements). The research tools will support the research programs of the three Applicants and the 16 HQP who will take advantage of this new measurement technology to place their research on the cutting edge of international work on these topics.