Application of Infrared Thermography in Complex Moisture Inspection of the Schebek Palace

In situ moisture inspection of the basement floor of the Schebek Palace was done to get necessary information for intended repairs and adaptation of cellarage. At first, visual inspection of the basement was done to locate places for moisture content measurement. Within the experimental analysis, moisture distribution in several profiles of historical masonry was measured on a gravimetric principle. Herewith, non-destructive measurement of moisture content using a capacitive moisture meter was realised. The applied non-destructive technique made possible to minimize masonry and plaster damage due to the drilling of holes for samples extraction for gravimetric measurements. The capacitance method allowed also identification of wall moistening in larger areas. Since the moisture problems behind walls, over ceilings, and under floors is often impossible to detect until the problem is excessive and visible to the naked eye, infrared thermography was used to provide complex information on hygric state of analysed building. The obtained thermographs allowed to spot suspect areas of excessive moisture that were not apparent from visual control. Infrared camera was also useful in areas, where the moisture content had no clear relation to external moisture sources or did not correspond with capillary action from the subsoil. On the basis of experimental results, moisture sources of the masonry were identified and restoration treatments respecting the historical character of the inspected building were proposed.