Seminar of the Department of Microbiology

Building forensics – see the invisible

Frank Peters – Leibniz-Universität, Hannover, Germany 

23.05.2024, 11:00 - Hybrid

• Join online
• or in presence: Seminarraum Biologie - Foyer (Technikerstraße 25, EG)

 

Abstract

Building materials that look similar to the naked eye can exhibit enormous differences when examined with advanced optical methods. 

Invisible white mould on a white background is hard to detect, but stands out white on black background when viewed in the fluorescence image. 

Building forensics use visible fluorescence and absorptions in the near ultraviolet or infrared range to increase contrast between materials. This helps to investigate the causes of structural damage.
The presentation gives an overview of the methods in building forensics and their applications, with a focus on mould and water in buildings.