Infrared Thermography for Pre-Diagnosis in Monuments Built from Pyroclastic Building Stones

Abstract

Scientific bases and diagnostic studies are important for the preservation of the present condition of the monuments. These studies consist of visual deterioration studies in the laboratory and in the field. However, the limited number of samples taken from historical buildings for laboratory studies cannot represent the whole structure. In order to overcome this problem, non-destructive test (NDT) techniques, which have become widespread recently, offer significant advantages both in the laboratory and in-site. Infrared thermography, one of the NDT methods, is a method used to detect both surface and subsurface defects. This method is widely preferred in the literature because it is practical, inexpensive, and easy to use. In this study, the weathering process in pyroclastic rocks that are weak and sensitive to atmospheric processes was investigated. For this purpose, the types and origins of deterioration observed in the SirçalÙ Madrasa (Konya, Turkey), which is on the UNESCO tentative list, were investigated by means of infrared thermography. In the study, it was determined that there were temperature differences in the capillary and infiltration regions of the monument. These differences increased the deterioration of the monument and caused the development of contour scaling, flaking, deposit and moist area types. The findings obtained from the study showed that infrared thermography method is a practical method for preliminary evaluation in the current situation analysis of historical buildings.