Field observations of spatial surface temperature variations on masonry walls using infrared thermography

Abstract

Temperature variations in masonry façades can induce expansion and contraction movements. When these movements are restrained, cracking and material degradation may occur, especially in older buildings lacking movement or expansion joints. Such temperature variations arise from factors as solar radiation, shading, material color, reflectivity, and environmental conditions. This study investigates the magnitude and spatial distribution of surface temperature variations (ΔT) on exterior masonry wall surfaces using outdoor infrared (IR) thermography. A better understanding of the magnitude and distribution of ΔT is essential for accurate damage assessment and for improving the attributability of observed damage to temperature effects rather than to other causes. Field data were collected in Delft, the Netherlands. Thermal images were captured with an IR camera to identify temperature differences across various points on exterior wall surfaces under direct solar radiation and varying shading conditions. The acquired imagery was analyzed using temperature histograms and profiles to quantify thermal gradients over the surface area of the façades. Results revealed significant spatial temperature variations, with measured ΔT values reaching up to 13 °C between the warmest and coolest zones on individual façades. Even where façades showed no pronounced surface gradients, temperature differences of up to 6 °C occurred between different, contiguous exterior walls of the same building. The study demonstrates that outdoor thermography, combined with targeted image processing, effectively identifies thermal gradients on masonry façades. These gradients reflect uneven thermal responses under real environmental conditions, which can accelerate moisture-related damage, cracking, and material fatigue. The findings emphasize the need to account for surface temperature heterogeneity in damage assessment of existing structures.