QUANTITATIVE INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY IN BUILDINGS

A methodology, based on the solution of the inverse heat transfer prob lem, for the detection and evaluation of flaws in buildings is discuss ed. The temperature varying in space and time is recorded by a thermog raphic equipment and each point belonging to the inspected area is ana lysed quantitatively. Data are processed to give a map of defects of t he wall, based on the most suitable local thermal parameter. The therm al-physical aspects of different defects are studied, along with the d escription of simplified models to interpret surface temperature data. The building envelope is examined mainly in transient thermal regime. Testing procedures using periodic or pulse heating of the surface are described. The theoretical analysis is used to predict temperature ev olution and properly design the test. A detectability comparison among different procedures is performed. Experimental results are reported for insulation deficiencies and thermal bridges evaluation, air leakag e detection and moisture content mapping. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S. A. All rights reserved.