[Constech Co., Ltd.] Drone infrared survey system “CONS-FINDER SKY” that is equivalent to percussion
*Constech Co., Ltd.*
Press release: August 26, 2024
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“CONS-FINDER SKY” is a drone infrared survey system that is equivalent to percussion.
*Japan Architectural Disaster Prevention Association’s Building Periodic Survey/Inspection Technology Evaluation No. 1! *
“CONS-FINDER” is jointly operated by Constech Co., Ltd. (President: Yoshiaki Chaie) and Construction Environment Consulting Co., Ltd. (President: Toshiyuki Yamashita) headquartered in Osaka City. SKY is an innovative solution that represents the pinnacle of infrared technology. This technology has been recognized as equivalent to percussion prescribed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism during periodic inspections and inspections of buildings, and has undergone rigorous technical evaluation by the Japan Architectural Disaster Prevention Association and has received technical evaluation.
“CONS-FINDER
“SKY” complies with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s public notice as the investigation method and criteria for periodic inspection reports based on the provisions of Article 12, Paragraph 1 of the Building Standards Act. This innovative technology provides the highest standards of precision and efficiency to improve the safety and durability of buildings.
CONS-FINDER SKY exterior
Technical evaluation report: Construction and Disaster Prevention Issue No. 24081
Technology overview
In 2020, Constech Co., Ltd. participated in the NEDO project “Digital technology development for elaboration of regulations/Technology development related to periodic inspection of building exterior walls using drones, etc.” Since then, we have accumulated accurate survey results and knowledge for safe flight by utilizing exterior wall survey technology that combines drones and infrared equipment. In 2021, we developed CONSFINDER-SKY, which utilizes drones, to improve accessibility for the upper floors of mid-to-high-rise buildings while conducting exterior wall surveys using the infrared device method. Now, this technology has been evaluated by the Japan Building Disaster Prevention Association, and we are now able to use it as a technology equivalent to percussion.
1. Background to research and development
Constec has been developing technology for infrared device methods for many years and has a track record of widely applying them to exterior wall inspections. However, there are limits to its applicability, such as the inability to obtain appropriate images in high-rise buildings or in cases where it is impossible to secure a distance from the target wall. Regarding this issue, we developed the method by applying unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) with the aim of improving
accessibility during surveys and expanding the scope of application of the infrared device method.
2. Key points of this technology
– Compliant with the “Guidelines for External Wall Investigation by Infrared Survey (Including Infrared Survey by Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) under the Periodic Reporting System” published by the Japan Building Disaster Prevention Association.
– Infrared investigation technology that yields results equivalent to percussion
– Ensure safety by using a mooring device when flying a drone in preparation for flyaways
– Provides rapid investigation by combining ground-based infrared equipment and drone-mounted infrared equipment
3. Survey implementation system
Exterior wall surveys using CONS-FINDER SKY will be conducted using the following survey implementation system.
In particular, regarding infrared surveys, we have obtained the examination certification technology “Examination
Certification-BCJ-194” acquired by the Building Center of Japan, and the implementer is JIS Z
Our survey technicians, including those with 2305 certification and those who have received in-house training on infrared surveys, will handle your inquiries.
4. infrared device
Infrared devices (ground-based infrared rays and infrared rays mounted on drones) must have the performance shown in the table below.
Infrared device specifications
Item Specifications Remarks
Number of pixels: approximately 640×480 –
Temperature resolution (NETD) 0.05℃ –
In-plane uniformity* ±1℃ New equipment requires performance confirmation Temperature range -20 to 120℃ Must have a range for room temperature items *
In-plane uniformity: Indicates the influence of noise and contrast caused by the wind of a drone’s propeller. The NEDO project has confirmed that there is no effect from imaging to analysis as long as the temperature is within ±1°C.
Example of a thermal image taken by CONSFINDER-SKY (capable of obtaining a directly facing image even at a high position. Monochrome display for diagnosis)
5. Judging the application of drones
The applicable range of the drone will be determined by referring to the diagram below.
The ground infrared equipment uses the R500 and R550 series
manufactured by Nippon Aviox.
6. Verification method
Verification of measurement results and ensuring accuracy through infrared survey will be carried out as follows.
– The person conducting the infrared survey will confirm the presence of floats by percussion before starting photography. – If the cross-sectional configuration or finish differs even on the same wall surface, check for floating by percussion for each cross-sectional configuration and finish.
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Percussion should be done carefully as it will affect the accuracy of this technology’s floating detection. In addition, major
deterioration that has occurred in the building will be determined by visual inspection of the exterior, as this will serve as a basis for determining floating detection.
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The measurement results from the infrared survey and the judgment results from the percussion within reach will be used to calculate the detection rate for each location, along with the images taken, and will be recorded in a report so that the accuracy of the survey can be confirmed.
*Reference books*
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Edited by the System Development Review Committee for Exterior Wall Inspection Methods Using Drones Equipped with Infrared Devices: Guidelines for Exterior Wall Investigations by Infrared Surveys (Including Infrared Surveys by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) under the Periodic Reporting System, March 2020
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Building Center of Japan: Construction Technology Examination Certification (Architectural Technology), BCJ-Examination
Certification-194, “Consfinder ANR System”, a high-precision exterior wall finish inspection system using an infrared camera with a noise reduction mechanism, acquired in November 2011. Updated November 2021 – Edited by Long Life Building Promotion Association (Public Corporation): Periodic Diagnosis Manual for Tile Exterior Walls and Mortar Coated Exterior Walls (Revised 4th Edition)
*About Constech Co., Ltd.*
For many years since its founding in 1969, Constech has consistently engaged in everything from inspection and diagnosis to repair and reinforcement work for steel frame and concrete buildings, and has grown as a leading company in the field of extending the lifespan of existing buildings. We have accomplished this. All of our employees have pride and responsibility as a group of professional engineers, and we will continue to develop valuable and unique technologies that meet the needs of society, and strive to provide a safe, secure, and sustainable social environment.
Constech Co., Ltd.
Head Office 4-33 Kitahama Higashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 540-0031 Representative Director and President Yoshiaki Chaie
*Business details*
– Investigation and diagnosis of reinforced concrete and steel buildings – Repair/renovation/reinforcement work for reinforced concrete and steel buildings
– Seismic diagnosis and seismic reinforcement work for reinforced concrete and steel buildings
– Investigation and diagnosis of civil engineering structures – Repair and reinforcement work of civil engineering structures – Asbestos treatment and dioxin removal work
– Repair and reinforcement work of historic structures
– Other related consulting work and construction
*Contact information*
Constec Co., Ltd. Technology Headquarters
https://www.constec.co.jp/
tech-info@cons-hd.co.jp
03-6450-0634 Person in charge: Daisuke Sato
*Reference URL*
Japan Building Disaster Prevention Association Evaluation Results
https://www.kenchiku-bosai.or.jp/evaluation/teikichousa/evaluation-teikichousa-jisseki/ Constech
https://www.constec.co.jp/