Characterization of Corroded Reinforced Steel Bars by Active Microwave Thermography

Detection and characterization of corrosion on steel is important in the transportation and infrastructure industries. Many nondestructive testing (NDT) methods have been applied to this inspection need. To overcome the existing limitations of traditional NDT methods, integrated NDT techniques have also been developed. To this end, the integration of microwave and thermography, referred to as active microwave thermography (AMT), is proposed as a potential NDT tool for detection and characterization of corrosion on steel bars. This method utilizes microwave energy to provide heat excitation. Subsequently, a thermal camera is used to monitor the thermal surface profile. This paper presents preliminary simulations and measurements of AMT as a potential method for corrosion detection and characterization.