Infrared Thermal Scanning
(Thermographic NDT — ASTM D4788)

Non-contact infrared thermographic scanning to detect delamination, voids, moisture ingress and subsurface defects in concrete, facades and building envelopes without any surface preparation.

Overview

What is the Infrared Thermal Scanning?

Infrared Thermal Scanning uses a calibrated infrared camera to detect temperature differentials on structural surfaces caused by subsurface anomalies — delaminations, voids, moisture pockets and disbonded overlays. Defective zones have different thermal mass, creating measurable surface temperature contrasts during thermal cycling.

Conducted as per ASTM D4788, IRT is a rapid, large-area, non-contact NDT method. A single operator can scan entire bridge decks, facades or tunnel linings in a fraction of the time of other methods. Global Lab uses FLIR cameras with <50mK thermal sensitivity for high-resolution thermographic surveys.

Non-Contact Scanning

Entire bridge decks and facades scanned rapidly — no surface preparation.

Delamination Detection

Detects concrete delamination, tile debonding and overlay disbonding.

Moisture Mapping

Wet zones appear cooler — maps moisture ingress in walls and roofs.

FLIR High-Resolution

<50mK thermal sensitivity for detection of subtle subsurface anomalies.

NABL Certified Reports

All results on NABL-accredited letterhead with annotated thermographic images.

Facade Surveys

Full building facade scanning from ground level or elevated platform.

Test in Action

Infrared Thermal Scanning — Site Images

FLIR Camera Scanning Bridge Deck

Thermal Image Showing Delamination Zone

Annotated Defect Map on Structure Photo

Test Procedure

How the Infrared Thermal Scanning is Conducted

1

Thermal Condition Assessment

Survey planned for optimal thermal conditions — 2–4 hours after sunrise or sunset.
2

Reference Area Identification

Known good and defective areas identified for calibration of thermal contrast.
3

IRT Scanning

FLIR infrared camera scans surface systematically. Thermal images captured.
4

Image Analysis

Thermal images processed. Anomalous temperature zones identified and mapped.
5

Defect Report

Annotated images, defect maps and repair recommendations. NABL report within 48 hours.

Standards & Specifications

Applicable Test Standards

Standard	Title	Scope	Type
ASTM D4788	Standard Test Method for Detecting Delaminations in Bridge Decks Using Infrared Thermography	IRT Bridge Decks	ASTM
ASTM E1186	Standard Practices for Air Leakage Site Detection in Building Envelopes	Building Thermography	ASTM
ISO 6781	Thermal Performance of Buildings — Qualitative Detection of Thermal Irregularities	Building IRT	ISO
IS 13311	Non-Destructive Testing of Concrete — Recommendations	General NDT	Indian Standard

Applications

Where is the CAPO Test Used?

Bridge deck delamination detection before overlay or rehabilitation

Building facade tile and cladding disbonding survey

Roof moisture ingress detection and wet insulation mapping

Tunnel lining void and delamination detection

Post-fire concrete damage assessment

Underfloor heating system verification and radiant floor mapping

Why Choose Global Lab

Our Advantages

NABL Accredited ReportsLegally valid thermographic inspection certificates.

Rapid Large Area CoverageBridge decks and facades surveyed in hours vs days for other methods.

Non-Contact MethodNo scaffolding or surface access needed for many applications.

Pan-India CoverageIRT teams across all 7 lab locations.

Fast 48-Hour ReportThermographic report with annotated images within 48 hours.

Combined NDT PackageIRT + Rebar mapping + UPV + Cover depth as a complete structural survey.

Infrared Thermal Scanning(Thermographic NDT — ASTM D4788)