Review: Thermal data acquisition for 3D cracks characterization and experiment

3D crack detection are essential in civil infrastructure since is one of a major challenges for material and structural integrity inspections. This study considers the importance of using thermal data as a non-destructive method to analyze crack evolution and characteristics. This study aims to determine in which measure thermal data enable building reliable 3D information of internal defects. Experiment approach combining Infrared Thermography (IRT) and data processing methods have shown that thermal variations allow to identify presence of cracks. Some limitations remain in terms of spatial resolution and depth. This study emphasizes the potential of thermography methods for 3D cracks characterization, while insuring the necessity to improve inspection methods.