Thermal imaging technology is revolutionizing the way civil engineers inspect buildings. Using thermal imaging through walls, you can see the unseen and locate defects in construction or areas of high stress that would have previously been difficult, if not impossible, to detect. In addition, thermal imaging gives you visual access to impassable areas such as narrow pipes or the insulating space between walls.
A Brief Introduction to Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging technology uses radiation to detect differences in temperature, allowing objects that are of a significantly higher or lower temperature to stand out from the surroundings. Thermal imaging through walls gives civil engineers visual access to locations that would otherwise require destructive contact, something you want to avoid when performing inspections.
Applications of Thermal Imaging to Civil Engineering
There are many ways in which modern thermal imaging is streamlining the building inspection process. Below is a brief overview of the most common applications.
Locating Defects in Concrete
Thermal technology can locate unwanted interior voids (spaces of air) in concrete structures without the need for destructive probing. These air bubbles in concrete are almost always going to be a different temperature than the surrounding concrete, causing them to stand out when viewed with thermal imaging.
Probing Insulation
You can use thermal imaging to quickly and easily view areas of heat insulation in buildings, allowing you to find any heat leaks or moisture intrusion into the structure without doing time-consuming and invasive tests.
Assess Pipes and Plumbing
Thermal imaging technology can be used to view fluid motion through pipes in real time, allowing you to quickly find any leaks or blockages that could cause potential issues. Without thermal imaging technology, probing for these types of issues in small pipes would be significantly more time-consuming and costly.
Detect Problems in Electrical System
A final application is using thermal imaging through walls to scan for areas of concern with wiring and electrical systems. Trouble in electrical systems is usually accompanied by hot spots which are easy to detect with handheld thermal imaging technology.
The UAS THERMALS™ professional team offers thermal imaging technology tailored to civil engineers. Our thermal packages are ready to deploy and make use of the latest in high-resolution thermal imaging technology. With our thermal imaging tools, you can perform quick and accurate building inspections at a reduced cost. You can learn more about the technology we offer by visiting us here.
