Small Unmanned Aerial System Applications in the Building Enclosure Industry: Using Thermal Imaging to Assess Building Performance

In the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, several disciplines have seen how small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) or drones can make critical, and sometimes dangerous, tasks more efficient, precise, and accessible. This includes using drones to perform thermal imaging scans to detect air, moisture, and heat leakage from a building enclosure—the glass, concrete, insulation, and other materials separating the inside and outside environments. Leaky buildings can be costly and dangerous, leading to damaged finishes, increased energy costs, and mold growth within walls and roofs. Infrared thermography is a relatively cost-effective, easy-to-use, non-destructive tool for these types of conditions, but requires expert interpretation. SGH has implemented the use of drones on many projects, and by using drone technology, AEC professionals can get detailed results to make informed recommendations that address underlying building concerns.

In this paper/presentation, we will explore how the AEC industry has implemented drone use to conduct thermal imaging scans of buildings, discuss some of the nuances with using drones around building enclosures, and discuss the differences compared to handheld scanning techniques. We will review industry standards and guidelines and share common project challenges and opportunities through a series of case studies.

Kelsey Dunn, PE
Simpson Gumpertz ​&​ Heger | Boston, MA

Kelsey A. Dunn joined SGH in September of 2013 and is a senior staff engineer in SGH’s building technology group in Boston, MA. Dunn has been involved in a variety of projects involving investigation, design, and construction administration for existing building repair projects, rehabilitation of historic buildings, and new construction building-enclosure consulting. She has performed many partial and whole-building infrared scans using both the handheld and sUAS/drones while at SGH.

Christopher Grey, PE
Simpson Gumpertz ​&​ Heger | Boston, MA

Christopher N. Grey joined SGH in 2011 and is a senior project manager in SGH’s building technology group in Boston, MA. His experience includes investigating, rehabilitating, and designing building enclosure systems on a wide range of project types, from historic buildings to contemporary high-rise structures. He specializes in the design, integration, construction administration, and in-situ testing of complex building enclosure systems with a focus on design efficiency, constructability, and performance. He works directly with architects, owners, contractors, and manufacturers in both the field and office through all project phases. Grey has performed many partial- and whole-building infrared scans, assists with managing SGH’s internal sUAS/drone usage and standards, is a certified sUAS Level I Thermographer, and also a contributing member of the American Architectural Manufacturer’s Association, serving on several industry standard task groups.