Active thermography is well suited for the detection of delaminations and cracks in façade elements like plaster and tiles. Not only artificial heating but also solar heating can be used if the adjustment of the façade and the weather conditions are suitable. Optical methods like laser scanners, photogrammetric methods and crack tracking sensors are providing geometrical 3D data which can be used for a 3D mapping of thermograms and for providing data with higher geometrical resolution. Thus, by the combination and fusion of these data, a comprehensive mapping and monitoring of damages of façade systems is possible.
Methods for the combination (i. e. comparison and overlay) and data fusion (i. e. integration of all data in one data set, replacement of data) of active thermography and D laser scanner (light section method) have been developed. Systematic investigations for quantification of damage in historic structures are presented using both techniques. A case study shows that reproducible investigations at regular time intervals are very well suited for structural monitoring.
In this contribution, the development and application of optical and thermographic methods for the nondestructive evaluation of delaminations, cracks and further substructures in Connection with bulging is presented.
Since delaminated fagade elements show geometric as well as thermal anomalies, surface geometry and defects beneath the surface were investigated. As methods, Stereo photogrammetry, a tracking based method for tactile recording of geometric 3D data and active thermography were used. Two case studies were assessed with a combination of these methods: the plaster scratches at the Magdeburg Cathedral and a mural painting in Cobbelsdorf, both located in Germany. While the plaster scratches have been investigated by artificial heating with an infrared radiator, the rural painting was tested by analysing the temperature increase due to solar heating.