3D Drone-based Time-lapse Thermography: A Case Study of Roof Vulnerability Characterization using Photogrammetry and Performance Simulation Implications

Thermal building performance simulation is regularly informed by and contrasted with thermal images, mainly focusing on defect identification using perspectives from the infrared (IR) spectrum. However, standard IR readings are typically undergone in singular points in time, when in several cases, such as varying pressure differences or latent heat gain, anomalies can only be revealed at specific times of the day, possibly in different seasons of the year. We present in this paper a novel workflow for 3D envelope modeling using aerial time-lapse IR data collection by utilizing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS, a.k.a. drones). A comprehensive envelope thermal profile is developed for the roof of a case study building employing photogrammetry software Agisoft Photoscan, which generates temporal IR inspections of building skins using multiple 3D thermography CAD models. The ultimate goal is to develop a building inspection framework that utilizes UAS equipped with IR cameras to collect data time series, which in turn informs envelope modeling for accurate performance simulation.