Focus

Fire safety with Vulcain 3D image analysis

The Vulcain modular furnace, for studying the fire resistance of complex or tall structures, has been equipped since 2016 with an innovative metrology system.

Two cameras, placed at a distance from the side of the structure not exposed to the fire, measure the deformation and displacement fields of the test specimen exposed to fire.

The furnace also enables coupled analysis of the displacement and temperature fields during thermomechanical studies of construction systems. It provides an overall view of the phenomena at work.

This method relies on a real-time image correlation system that provides graphic, color, 3D display of the structure's deformation, across its entire surface. This non-contact measurement technology overcomes the technical constraints of installing temporary displacement sensors traditionally used in this type of testing.