Abstract：The thermal infrared imager is used for testing the deformation and failure process of hole-preforming concrete specimens，and thermal infrared images which indicate temperature field changes of testing surface of specimen are obtained. Furthermore，the numerical test is conducted by using a rock failure process analysis computer program (RFPA) to simulate specimen¢s cracks expansion process as load applying. The results of numerical test and specimen¢s stress condition analysis approve that as loads applying，in some regions of specimen where close to preforming hole，the stress concentration will take place. In those tension stress concentration regions，microcracks will generate，expand and connect to form macroscpic cracks gradually，which cause the specimen failure ultimately. From thermal infrared images，the temperature of testing surface rises generally. Moreover，it is found that the rate of temperature rising is in some positive correlations with the loading speed. Comparing results of thermal infrared test and numerical test，it reveals that regions where tension stress concentrates and microcracks generates in numerical test are corresponding to regions where temperature rises rapidly. It is a powerful proof to confirm that the generation and expansion of microcracks is one of major reasons to cause the temperature change of specimen during the failure process. This result could be regarded as the failure omen information of similar concrete structure，and could be used for forecasting the failure of concrete or rock structures.
