Influence of microwave excitation mode and antenna-sample orientation on rebar detection using microwave infrared thermography.

This study investigates the use of active infrared thermography combined with microwave excitation for identifying and assessing reinforcement bars in concrete structures. The proposed approach integrates numerical modeling and experimental validation to ensure accurate and reliable results. The first phase involves developing a detailed numerical model comprising a microwave source, a broadband antenna, and a concrete structure with specified reinforcement bar arrangements. This model simulates the interaction between microwave excitation and embedded reinforcement, analyzing temperature distributions and thermal responses on the concrete surface. The goal is to optimize the measurement methodology by evaluating parameters such as excitation mode and antenna vs. sample configuration. The second phase focuses on experimental validation of the numerical findings. An experimental setup replicates the modeled conditions to compare real-world thermal patterns with simulated predictions, ensuring consistency and reliability. By combining numerical simulations with experimental testing, this study aims to establish a robust framework for using active infrared thermography with microwave excitation in non-destructive evaluation of reinforced concrete structures. The approach seeks to provide a precise, efficient method for assessing the condition and layout of reinforcement bars in concrete, contributing to advancements in structural inspection techniques.