Use of Infrared Thermography

for Building Inspection

Seminar on Building Diagnostic and Inspection Testing & Certification

Association of Engineering Professionals in Society Ltd

K.K. Lee, Kenneth

Introduction
y Theory
y Equipment
y Survey
y Conclusion

2
 Definition

y Infrared thermography is a science of

obtaining and analysis of thermal data or
information by non-contact thermographic
equipment.

3
 Definition
y Real time
Capture fast moving targets
Capture fast changing thermal patterns
y Non-contact
Remote sensing
Keep out of danger
Does not affect the target
y Two-dimension
Comparison between areas
Thermal patterns can be visualized for analysis
Good overview of the target 4
Spectrum

5
Emissivity

6
Kirchhoffs Law
y Emissivity
y Reflectivity
y Transmissivity

7
Opaque

8
Reflective Object

9
Transmissive Object

10
Conduction
hot cold
y Q = conductive heat transfer (J)
y t = time (s)
y A = area (m2)
y L = thickness (m)
y T1 T2 = T (K or C)
y k (or ) = thermal conductivity (W m-1
K-1)
y Q/t = heat flow (W)

Q/t = k x A x (T1 T2) / L

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Conduction

12
Thermogram

13
Thermogram

14
Thermogram

15
Thermogram

16
Thermogram

17
Thermal Imager

18
 Equipment System
y Compact and Amplified
lightweight Processed
y From shoulder- Displayed
supported to hand-held Eyepiece
video camera
LCD viewer
y Lenses
Memory card
y Focus
Digital photos
y Detector
y Electrical signal

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Basic Performance

20
Basic Performance

21
Basic Performance

22
 Lenses
Standard lens normally 25 (FOV)
y Telephoto Wide-angle
y Less than 25 Greater than 25
y Fewer things can be More things can be
included included
y High rise building E&M inspection in
inspection limited space

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Lenses

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 Operation
y Focus
y Range
y Span
y Auto-ranging
y Level
y Palettes
y Spot
y Area
y Isotherm
y Emissivity
y Distance
y Ambient temperature
y Reflected temperature

25
Software

26
Quantitative Analysis

27
 Problems
y Workmanship Environment
y Material Usage
y Weather Design
y Application method Accident
y Aging Maintenance record
y Regular checking

28
 Target Building

y External or internal
y Shape
y Size
y Distance
y Materials
y Texture
y Thickness of finishes
y Stains

29
Training
y In-house training
y Manufacturer tutorial
y Regional agent tutorial
y Infrared training organizations
y Academic background
y Oversea seminars

30
Equipment
y FOV and IFOV Lenses
y Thermal sensitivity Picture in picture
Accuracy
y Thermogram resolution
Memory
y LCD display and its
File format
resolution
Weight and size
y Detector
Environmental data
y Temperature range
Battery
y Spectral range Back up
y Thermal fusion Accessory

31
Equipment
y Infrared camera Thermocouple
y Lenses Thermo hydrometer
y Tripod Goniometer
y Digital camera Hammer/tapper
y Distance measuring Range finder
device Personal protective
y Telescope equipment
y Anemometer

32
Methodology
y International standards
y National standards
y Regional standards
y In-house method
y Governmental requirements

33
Environment
y Time
Day time
Evening
Peak time
Non-peak time
Availability of access
y Weather
Sunny
After Raining
Wind
Cloudy
y Season
Summer
Winter

34
Environment
y Background noise
Metallic panel
Glass cladding
y Obstacles
Advertisement
Road sign
Lighting pole
Trees
scaffolding
y Heat sources
Air conditioner
Fluorescent lighting

35
Environment
y Cold sources
Leakage of conditioned air
Moisture
y Activities
Cold storage
Restaurant
Crematorium
Hospital
y Structural
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Limitation
y Surface texture
y Temperature
y Shape
y IR camera use
y Emissivity
y Viewing angle

37
Conclusion
y Application of infrared thermography is
common in external wall inspection
(qualitative).
y It is a good option to have a preliminary
condition of building external wall.
y Assist with other tests is suggested such
as tapping, pull-off tests (tile, mortar,
coating), etc.
y Canopy
y Quantitative analysis
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Thank You

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