Term of Award

Spring 2025

Degree Name

Master of Science, Civil Engineering

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Department

Department of Civil Engineering and Construction

Committee Chair

Marcel Maghiar

Committee Member 1

Gustavo Maldonado

Committee Member 2

Soonkie Nam

Abstract

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls play a vital role in ensuring the stability of transportation infrastructure, yet traditional inspection techniques often struggle to detect subsurface defects and demand significant labor. This research explores the application of Infrared Thermography (IRT) as a non-destructive, cost-effective approach for inspecting MSE walls across Southeast Georgia. By capturing thermal images under diverse environmental and operational conditions, the study aims to identify potential issues, including cracks, voids, delamination, and honeycombing, which can undermine integrity over time. Utilizing advanced image processing tools, the research implements specialized software to enhance the accuracy of defect detection, facilitating the generation of an IRT-based inspection framework through thermal mapping. Three MSE wall locations - Crossgate, Old River Road, and King George Boulevard, were evaluated for thermal performance and possible anomalies. Thermal images were analyzed to identify temperature variations indicative of areas requiring further investigation. Through polygon-based segmentation and statistical analysis, specific areas were isolated to exclude irrelevant features, such as walkways and beams, while focusing on the panels. Results revealed consistent thermal stability across central sections of the walls, with localized variability observed primarily at the ends due to environmental influences. No significant subsurface defects or anomalies were detected that could compromise the integrity of the MSE walls. The findings underscore IRT's effectiveness as a proactive tool for monitoring and maintaining MSE walls, offering transportation authorities an additional method to enhance inspection protocols. This approach minimizes labor-intensive processes, provides early warnings for potential issues, and supports the longevity of critical infrastructure. The study, funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), highlights the potential of integrating IRT into routine inspection schedules, particularly through annual and biennial evaluations under standardized environmental conditions. Recommendations include advancing IRT technologies with artificial intelligence for anomaly detection and exploring supplementary methods like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). This research contributes to the evolving field of non-destructive testing, fostering innovation and resilience in infrastructure management.

OCLC Number

1520571256

Research Data and Supplementary Material

No

Download

Files over 10MB may be slow to open. For best results, right-click and select "Save as..."

Share

COinS