Soundness assessment of structural timber elements in traditional timber dwellings: the combined use of quantitative IR thermograhy and ultrasonic testing

Abstract

The study was focused on the in-situ soundness assessment of structural timber elements in traditional timber dwellings by the combined use of quantitative IR thermography (QIRT) and ultrasonic testing. The laboratory QIRT and ultrasonic measurements were done to establish reference data on control samples, composed of sound and deteriorated historic and new timber samples, for the correct interpretation of in-situ QIRT and ultrasonic data. By ultrasonic testing, precise knowledge was obtained on mechanical properties of timber on quantitative basis. That knowledge was necessary for the QIRT analyses to define the thermal inertia characteristics of timber elements in relation to their state of deterioration. The data results also allowed discussing the compatibility criteria for timber elements and neighbouring materials in contact with them.