Image processing methods are increasingly used in civil engineering, especially in the\nmaintenance of concrete structures. Current digital cameras and post-processing methods allow\nverifying qualitatively the state of conservation of wide areas of concrete in dams and bridges.\nWhen dealing with building refurbishments and rehabilitation, it is important to verify that existing\nstructural elements fit the requirements of the standards; in the case of structures formed by traditional\nRC joists, cracking of the bottom-face provides information about the serviceability of these elements.\nThis research proposed and put in practice through experimental tests an image post-processing\nmethod for quantification of cracking (five specimens were used and calibrated). Based on a sequence\nof shots and through a complex step-by-step post-processing, cracks were identified and measured to\ncalibrate this method for real purposes. The method quantifies the crack opening width and spacing\nby analyzing the bottom-face of the joists through the shots. Measured values of crack spacing are\nvery similar to those predicted by the standards, while the values of crack opening width differ more\nfrom theoretical ones due to the scattering of results. However, the proposed method has been proved\nas suitable and useful for fast inspections of RC elements under bending.
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