Assessing thermal properties of enclosing structures of construction facilities by analysis of thermograms

Abstract

Objective. One of the most effective ways to assess thermal protection of construction facilities of various applications is thermal control. Methods. According to the national standard “Method for thermal imaging quality control of thermal insulation of enclosing structures” in force on the Russian Federation territory, the results of thermal imaging monitoring of capital and completed construction facilities are divided into qualitative and quantitative depending on set goals and objectives. Qualitative assessment involves computer processing and visual interpretation of thermograms using specialized software. Quantitative analysis of thermograms involves determining and numerically comparing parameters of reference areas and characteristics of defects detected in an object being under thermal control. Results. The paper describes particular characteristics and results of qualitative and quantitative analysis of thermograms (thermal images) obtained via thermography of fragments of external enclosing structures of a completed construction facility—an apartment building. The paper analyses existing methods of a quantitative assessment of thermograms described in regulatory documents and methodological recommendations, and presents specific examples of their application. Conclusion. Thermal imaging diagnostics makes it possible to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the level of thermal protection of the outer shell of an object under control by “decoding” thermograms and comparing calculated parameters with standard indicators.

Keywords

• thermal properties
• enclosing structure
• capital and completed construction facilities
• engineering systems
• thermal control
• thermal imaging
• thermogram
• thermal image
• qualitative and quantitative analysis