Program Overview

Course Overview

Course Description

The course "Non-destructive techniques for monitoring the conditions of the built environment" (TMM4167) 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 reviewed before introducing the non-destructive techniques include field theory, wave physics (such as elastic and electromagnetic wave propagation), function and use of sensors, and methods to carry out measurements.

Course Content

Examples of non-destructive techniques presented in the course include:

• Ultrasound
• Acoustic Emission
• Liquid penetrant inspection method
• Microwave band inspection technique
• Moisture meters
• Infrared thermography
• Hygrometers/thermometers for measuring environmental conditions at the building location

Each NDT method is presented by explaining the fundamental principles of the method, challenges in using it, and its reliability. The course also discusses the most important parameters to monitor for assessing degradation and weathering on the built environment in relation to the selected inspection method.

Learning Outcomes

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 will have a detailed understanding of the most used non-destructive techniques 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 and recognize climate-induced degradation mechanisms.

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.

Course Details

Credits and Level

• Credits: 7.5
• Level: Second degree level

Course Start and Duration

• Course start: Spring 2026
• Duration: 1 semester

Language of Instruction and Location

• Language of instruction: English
• Location: Trondheim

Examination Arrangement

• Examination arrangement: Portfolio
• Grade: Letter grades

Learning Methods and Activities

Lectures and exercises are 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.

Evaluation

Portfolio Assessment

The portfolio includes compulsory exercises (35%) during the course and a final report (65%). The final report may consist of a first small part with multiple-choice questions. Depending on the number of students participating in the course, the final report may be a group report where the group consists of a maximum of 2-3 students each.

Submission Deadlines

1. The compulsory exercise during the course must be delivered the week after the assignment.
2. The final report and the first part consisting of multiple-choice questions must be delivered at the end of the course (usually by the end of May/first days of June).
3. Activities on the case study are mandatory.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

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

Course Materials

There is no textbook covering all the topics of this course. Therefore, the learning materials will be:

• Lecture notes and PowerPoint presentations
• Selected research papers
• Selected book chapters

Subject Areas

• Technological subjects

Department with Academic Responsibility

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering