The infrared-monitored rock cooling as a tool for porosity estimation in laboratory, a review

This review is focused on an innovative and non-destructive laboratory approach, referred to as IR Test, to estimate the rock porosity by Infrared Thermography. Based on the positive outcomes achieved through the use of Infrared Thermography for rock mass characterization, the study of the cooling behavior of rocks has suggested that the porosity grade is linked to the cooling speed of a previously heated rock specimen. The technique has been applied to different rock types, in terms of both porosity grade and lithology. Achieved results demonstrate that there is a positive linear relationship between rock porosity and CRI10 (Cooling Rate Index), corresponding to the infrared thermal monitoring of the rock cooling within a 10 minutes time window. IR Test was applied to differently shaped and sized rock samples, proving the suitability of this technique on avariable statistical population, and suggesting the innovative potential of Infrared Thermography for the rock laboratory characterization.