Evaluation of Roof Leak Detection Utilizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Equipped with Thermographic Sensors
Abstract
Management of the extensive U.S. Army roof portfolio increasingly re-lies on intelligent, data-driven decisions in a resource-limited environment. Roof leaks constitute millions of dollars in damage to equipment, insulation, and other assets, and can be the source for mold and other human environmental hazards. In recent years, thermographic imaging has been used as a nondestructive means to detect the location of wet insulation in low-pitched roofs. Traditional acquisition methods of non-destructive roof leak detection in-clude handheld rooftop inspection and aerial imaging by conventional, manned aircraft. Through the advent and maturation of un-manned aircraft system (UAS) technology, nondestructive thermographic inspections are a viable alternative to tradition-al thermographic data acquisition methods. This report concludes that the use of a UAS for roof leak detection is a cost-effective and efficient alter-native to other inspection methods, and it gives recommendations for the U.S. Armys use of the technology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 20, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1081485
Entities
People
- Matthew C. Walters
- Matthew E Richards
- Samuel J. Vance
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center