Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/11707
Title: Summary of Corps of Engineers research on roof moisture detection and the thermal resistance of wet insulation
Authors: Tobiasson, Wayne
Korhonen, C. J. (Charles J.)
Keywords: Aircraft
Maintenance
Roofs
Roofing
Detectors
Measurement
Surveys
Images
Moisture
Test methods
Inspection
Personnel
Instrumentation
Reliability
Publisher: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Special report (Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.)) ; 78-29.
Description: Special Report
Abstract: Nuclear, infrared, capacitance, microwave and impulse radar methods for nondestructively detecting moisture in roofs were evaluated. No system was reliable enough by itself or by cross-checking with another system to eliminate the need for a few core samples of membrane and insulation to verify findings. Airborne infrared surveys are a cost-effective way of reconnoitering numerous roofs at a major installation. However, follow-up on-the-roof surveys are necessary. Of the several grid techniques examined, nuclear surveys were the most reliable. Hand-held infrared surveys are the most accurate on-the-roof method studied. Although an infrared camera costs significantly more than a nuclear meter ($27,000 vs $3,000), infrared surveys can be conducted more rapidly. Where numerous roofs are to be surveyed, infrared surveys appear to be the most cost-effective method. In-situ measurements have been madeof the thermal resistance of wet and dry portions of roofs. A laboratory apparatus has been built to subject 12 in. x 12 in. specimens of roof insulation to combined thermal and moisture gradients. Thermal resistance and moisture content are periodically determined and characteristic curves are being developed for various roof insulations.
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/11707
Appears in Collections:Special Report

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