Mapping hidden wall structures by quantitative IR thermography

Elisabetta Rosina; Ermanno G. Grinzato; Elwin C. Robison

doi:10.1117/12.459572

15 March 2002 Mapping hidden wall structures by quantitative IR thermography

Elisabetta Rosina, Ermanno G. Grinzato, Elwin C. Robison

Proceedings Volume 4710, Thermosense XXIV; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.459572
Event: AeroSense 2002, 2002, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Knowledge of an historic monument can be substantially improved by locating hidden structures, openings and the wall bonding beneath the plaster. When restoring buildings, the physical connection between the walls must be known in order to predict the risk areas for structural weakness. IR Thermography produces remarkable results, especially by means of the quantitative approach. The temperature pattern detected by thermography and analyzed in space and time maps the hidden structure of the wall. Thick walls exposed to the weather represent a challenge in detecting hidden structures by means of thermography. Frequently output is very poor because testing conditions are not optimized. Hence, appropriate testing requires careful analysis of the wall system before and after taking the thermograms. Otherwise, false alarms render the images useless. This paper describes a general procedure applied to see the hidden wall structure. It works in three steps: a) a mathematical simulation of the real test by a dedicated software, implementing the 3D thermal problem; b) a transient thermographic test, delivering a suitable heating flux on the surface for the proper time; c) processing test data, including a thermogram sequence and air temperature analysis. Here, are reported tests achieved on a XV-XVIIth century Palace at Cremona (Italy) and in the Westcott House in Springfield (OH).

Citation Download Citation

Elisabetta Rosina, Ermanno G. Grinzato, and Elwin C. Robison "Mapping hidden wall structures by quantitative IR thermography", Proc. SPIE 4710, Thermosense XXIV, (15 March 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.459572

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available