Infrared and thermal testing

Inset shows false color infrared thermograph of a roof on a sunny day; the white surfaces (colored blue in the thermograph) have been coated with an elastomer to reduce solar loading and have a surface temperature of approximately 60 °F (16 °C); the gray surfaces (colored red/white in the thermogram) are a standard asphalt (bitumen) coating and have a surface temperature of approximately 160 °F (71 °C).

Infrared and thermal testing refer to passive thermographic inspection techniques, a class of nondestructive testing designated by the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT). Infrared thermography is the science of measuring and mapping surface temperatures.

"Infrared thermography, a nondestructive, remote sensing technique, has proved to be an effective, convenient, and economical method of testing concrete. It can detect internal voids, delaminations, and cracks in concrete structures such as bridge decks, highway pavements, garage floors, parking lot pavements, and building walls. As a testing technique, some of its most important qualities are that (1) it is accurate; (2) it is repeatable; (3) it need not inconvenience the public; and (4) it is economical."