NDT assessment of timber structures: a case study – Villa Ivonne, Meliana

Abstract

Conservation of historic buildings demands a special assessment method to ensure there is no damage to the existing structures. This concept must be adopted by all architects, engineers and technicians involved in historic building conservation.Floor and roof timber construction was widely extended in the vernacular buildings at Valencia. Floors were built usually by using timber joists, separated at 70 cm each, and with brick vaults between them. Timber roof structures consisted of rafters and rows for pitched roofs, with slopes inferior to 30º.A research group at the Polytechnic University of Valencia [1] has developed a NDT method of assessment of timber structures applied to the historic heritage. "Villa Ivonne", a traditional building located at Meliana, close to Valencia (Spain) with timber roofs. It was used as a case study in which this method of assessment was applied. Besides the NDT measurements, visual inspection was done and its building timber structure system and pathology was studied. In this paper the NDT method is presented, by using ultrasonic, micro drilling and wood hardener devices. From the conclusions of these studies, pathology causes can be identified, and the subsequent repairs can be proposed.

Diagnóstico y propuesta de solución a las lesiones presentes en el forjado del Convento de Santa Clara de Asís

“…In heritage buildings, the use of NDT adds a high value to the diagnostic study, because the structural elements of wood are not affected or receive a negligible impact. As a result, it is possible to obtain technical information with sufficient precision to estimate the state of conservation, quality and durability of the work or work object studied (Hasníková and Kuklík, 2014;Morales-Conde et al, 2013;Palaia et al, 2008). The techniques applied were:…”

“…It is a tool that allows estimating the hardness of wood through the penetration of a 1.5 mm diameter steel rod, from a shot towards the wooden element (Palaia et al, 2008). The depth of penetration of the rod varies depending on the density of the material.…”

Strengthening of Ancient Timber Beams during Restoration Operations: Effect of Wood Cutting on Modulus of Elasticity

“…Historical timber structures are an important part of world cultural heritage; timber buildings materials and construction techniques are part of our history, and their conservation provides an essential contribution to cultural diversity and global cultural wealth. The principles applied to the conservation of historical timber structures are universally accepted and described in different documents and papers [1][2][3][4][5]. According to such principles, the primary aim of the conservation is to maintain the historical authenticity and integrity of the structure, to conserve the load-bearing function, to minimize any intervention, and to preserve the original materials as much as possible.…”

Strengthening of Ancient Timber Beams in Restoration Operation: Effect of Wood Cutting on MOE

“…Historical timber structures are an important part of the World Cultural Heritage; timber buildings materials and construction techniques are part of our history and their conservation is an essential contribution to cultural diversity and global cultural wealth. Indeed, the principles for historical timber structures conservation are universally accepted and mentioned in different documents and papers [1][2][3][4][5]. According to such principles, the primary aim of the conservation is to maintain the historical authenticity and integrity, to conserve the load-bearing function, to minimize any intervention and to preserve as much original materials as possible.…”