Course title: Infrared Building Science Training
Term:
Course Title:
Dept. & Num:
Credits:
Prerequisites:
Dates:
Location:
Spring 2009
Building Science Thermography Training
CTT F193
1
None
March 23 – 26, 2009
Mon, Tue, Wed: 8:30 – 4:30 pm, Thu: 8:30 - Noon
UAF Bristol Bay Campus
Instructors:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Office Hours
Scott Wood
925.997.2726
Course reading:
Gerald C. Holst the author of a Common Sense Approach to
Thermal Imaging.
See additional attachment of course readings.
scott@buildingscienceinstitute.com
By appointment
Course description:
This three-and-a-half day course covers the application of infrared thermography as a powerful
and non-invasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the condition of buildings. This course
provides an intensive level of theory of the use of infrared thermography in building inspections.
The lecture will include: thermal science concepts, introduction to building science, building,
codes, design, envelope barriers, exteriors, and assessments, safety during investigations, water
testing, water restoration and reporting the results.
Course Goals:
This course is designed to enable both new infrared camera users and practicing thermographers
to become certified in commercial and residential building inspection. It will also enable both
new infrared camera users and practicing thermographers to become certified in the use of
infrared thermography in commercial and residential building investigations. Participants who
successfully complete the course; passing the quiz, exam with 75% or greater and providing a
multiple page report providing proof of mastering the image capture and interpretation will be
provided an accreditation of Certified Building Science Thermographer (CBST). This will allow
a successful participant the ability to utilize infrared cameras in performing qualitative surveys of
building enclosures and their structures. This course intends to explore:
 Thermal science concepts of conductive, convective and radiation heat transfer, thermal
capacitance, thermal image interpretation and basic infrared camera operation as related to
building conditions will be discussed. Intensive one-on-one instruction in infrared camera
operation and building fundamentals as required by individual students to achieve
certification level skills is also provided.
 Basic building science, a significant key to understanding the use of infrared thermography in
buildings, will be discussed including; buildings as environmental separators, the
relationships between the inside and out are driven by physical, chemical and biological
reactions, factors controlling these reactions, heat flow, air flow and moisture flow, three
Course title: Infrared Building Science Training
damage functions (heat, moisture and UV) and hygric buffer capacities of building
components.
 Building design and construction, principles of heat, air flow and moisture flows, moisture
evaluation and control, energy use, electrical problems, and include tips on marketing and
selling infrared inspection services.
Instructional methods:
Lecture and Instructor/Group demonstrations
No previous infrared thermography experience is necessary. Some knowledge of basic building
construction is helpful, but not required. It is recommended that students bring their own camera
for familiarity.
Course calendar:
Day One
 Electromagnetic spectrum; what is infrared and how does it compare to other electromagnetic
energies.
 Basic Thermal Science; basic concepts regarding the differences of temperature and energy.
 Infrared Detection Devices; Specifications including; resolution, thermal sensitivity and
limitations for use in building applications.
 Infrared Camera Functions Introduction; Level, span, range, focus and distance.
 Basic Heat Transfer; Heat transfer physics, radiation, conduction and convection as they
apply to buildings. Determine R-values using actual temperatures. Evaporation and thermal
capacities.
 Take home project: Capture thermal images of an interior located wall (both sides facing the
interior of the building) that show as clear s possible any thermal patterns due to conductive
differences (studs). Environmental conditions may need to be changed to enhance
conductance.
Day Two
 Review images taken for the take home project images.
 Thermal Image Interpretation; what does the camera see? Image interpretation, StefanBoltzmann Law, Lambert’s Cosine Law, Kirchhoff’s law, effects of surface emissivity on the
image captured and temperatures calculated.
 Qualitative and Quantitative Infrared Thermography; differences between and which is used
more in building investigations.
 Introduction to building science: the study of heat, air and moisture flow, hygric buffer
capacity and three important damage functions.
 Reporting; infrared software available, how to post process captured infrared images. How
to report infrared analysis findings with IR reporting software. Work with the programs
installed on your computers.
 Take home project: Determine the temperature of the cold and hot water.
Day Three
 Review images and discussion of the take home project.
Course title: Infrared Building Science Training
 Building Envelope barriers; Heat, Air, Moisture (bulk), Moisture (vapor) (HAMM). Safe
Building inspection methods and techniques.
 Quiz: thermography to building science
 Building envelopes (concrete, EIFS, Stucco, Wood, Vinyl, Masonry, Roofing); interpreting
thermograms of these construction systems.
 Water Testing; procedures and examples for water testing used for building evaluations.
 Review for the test
Day Four
 Building Assessments; tying it all together.
 Water restoration; types of equipment used and drying methods, moisture verification tools
and a brief discussion of psychometrics (dew point, RH and AH).
 Final Test
Course policies:
 Attendance is mandatory; you are expected to attend classes regularly.
 If an unforeseen circumstance prevents you from attending class you are expected to contact
the instructor prior to the start of class.
 Follow the rules and directions of sponsoring business.
 UAF requires students to conduct themselves honestly and responsibly, and to respect the
rights of others.
 Late assignments are not accepted without prior approval of instructor.
 The instructor reserves the right to amend this course outline as needed.
Evaluation:
Grading Policy: Pass/Fail
Activity Points: Lecture/Classroom exercises
Attendance
Homework
Quiz/Final exam
Total
Grade Rubric:
Grade Points
P
100-70
F
Below 70
5
10
10
75
100
Definition
Must receive at least 75% on final exam to receive
certification. Student demonstrates independence, show
competence and diligence in required work, and lends a
hand in mechanical labors without being asked.
Demonstrates an understanding of engineering
principles and learns how to use appropriate tools and
techniques.
Student was unable to complete the tasks and
assignments on time with at least a 70% understanding
and presentation.
Course title: Infrared Building Science Training
Student Support Services:
UAF Bristol Bay Campus Student Services: Mike Swanson, Student Program Development
Manager 907-842-5109.
Disabilities Services:
UAF Disability Services for Distance Students has an office that operates in conjunction with the
College of Rural and Community Development (CRCD) campuses and UAF’s Center for
Distance Education (CDE). Disability Services, a part of UAF’s Center for Health and
Counseling, provides academic accommodations to enrolled students who are identified as being
eligible for these services. If you believe you are eligible for these services, visit on the web
http://www.uaf.edu/chc/disability.html or contact a student affairs staff person at your nearest
local campus. You can also contact Disability Services on the Fairbanks Campus at (907) 4747043, fydso@uaf.edu
In Compliance with UAF Faculty Senate Resolution/2004