Toward a Protocol for Active IR Thermography to Assess the Durability of Building Components

Active IR thermography is an effective investigation technique for construction components under stimulated emission. It allows at detecting characteristics of materials and structures, surface decayand detachments, cracking and dampness patterns, heat dispersion and energy performances. It is speedy, simple and low intrusive, so that it can easily address the periodical durability assessment of building components throughout their service life. The paper is going to propose some recommendations for an operation protocol, on the basis of simulation models and laboratory measurements, in order to set up the optimal parameters for active IR thermography. Specifically, the protocol will focus on the characteristics of the surfaces (geometry, stratigraphy, thermal properties); environmental conditions (air temperature); and technical features of the equipment (power and relative position to the surface). Since standards and regulations (e.g. UNI EN 13187, ASTM Standard D4788-88,ISO 18434-1) are numerous, but more industry oriented, the protocol can be an useful tool, in terms of technical optimization of procedures, time and costs as well as methodological guide for analysis and interpretation of results in the building sector