Infrared thermography

Thermography is a non-destructive testing technique that operates in the infrared radiation spectrum. All materials emit energy as electromagnetic radiation, depending on their thermal conductivity and specific heat. A thermal camera detects this radiation by measuring the energy flow (E) from a distance, without making physical contact with the surface under investigation. It captures and differentiates the infrared radiation emitted by each point on the object’s surface at a given moment in time.
The result is a thermal image, displayed using a colour or grayscale palette, where each colour or shade represents a specific temperature range, typically within a fraction of a degree Celsius.
By analyzing the thermal image, it is possible to identify otherwise invisible features of existing structures, such as masonry arrangement and discontinuities covered by plaster, embedded metal elements, presence of voids, areas of moisture concentration, and details about flooring systems or suspended ceilings, including their direction and construction materials.

Reference standard: UNI 10824-1:2000.