Course content

This course covers basic topics and applications related to the use of non-destructive techniques (NDT) that can be used in laboratories or in situ to monitor the conditions of a building or its component. Fundamental concepts that will be reviewed before introducing the no destructive techniques adopted in condition monitoring of the built environment are field theory, wave physics (such as elastic and electromagnetic wave propagation), function and use of sensors, methods to carry on measurements. During the lectures explanation of procedure to perform a condition monitoring of a building component or structure will be presented together with the focus on the use of the most common non-destructive methods. Some examples of non-destructive techniques that will be presented: ultrasound, sound waves, microwave band inspection technique and infrared thermography.

Examples of non-destructive techniques that will be presented: Ultrasound, Acoustic Emission, liquid penetrant inspection method, microwave band inspection technique, moisture meters, infrared thermography and hygrometers/thermometers for measuring environmental conditions at the building location.

Each NDT method will be presented by explaining the fundamental principles of the method, challenges in using it as well as its reliability. In addition, it will be discussed what are the most important parameters to monitor for assessing degradation and weathering on the built environment in relation to the selected inspection method

The impact of climate change and the influence of climate on the weathering of buildings, or materials constituting the built environment, ie, damage mechanisms triggered by temperature, precipitation, humidity and/or frost, will be emphasized throughout the course.

Students during the exercise/practical activity will learn how to elaborate data collected via NDTs and will learn how to recognize degradation and weathering mechanisms on buildings or their components.

During the course a case study will be analyzed giving the students the possibility to personally use some of the NDTs presented at the lesson. Students will take their own measurements with these techniques and will learn how to elaborate the data collected to carry their own evaluation of the condition monitoring of the case study building under examination.

100% of the final grade will be based on reports and on exercises.

Learning outcome

Knowledge : The student must have knowledge of basic theories that deal with the propagation of elastic and electromagnetic waves in materials. The student will understand the use of condition monitoring in practical applications in field work. The student at the end of the course will have a detailed understanding of the most used non-destructive techniques (such as infrared camera, sound waves, microwave band inspection, ultrasonic waves) to carry on condition monitoring of the built environment.

Skills : At the end of the course the student should be able to choose the most suitable non-destructive technique to inspect a building or a component or a specific material. The student should be able to understand the sensitivity of materials to various climate parameters such as temperature, moisture, radiation, as well as to recognize climate induced degradation mechanisms, here included signs of climate change impact. The student must be able to monitor condition monitoring in real cases in the field.

General competence : The student must have general competence related to fundamental and applied physics with a view to condition monitoring of structures and/or materials constituting the built environment. The student must have the prerequisites to be able to carry out fieldwork related to a generic condition monitoring.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises must be the central teaching methods and activities. Students will carry out self-studies to understand the main non-destructive techniques, their application and the physics behind them, presented in the lessons

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge of environmental parameters, wave physics (elastic and electromagnetic wave propagation), sensors and measures. In addition, knowledge of the damage functions could be an advantage.

Course materials

There is no text book covering all the topics of this course. Therefore the learning materials will be the following: lecture notes and powerpoint presentations, selected research papers and selected book chapters.