Applications of Non-Destructive Techniques in the study of a Caribbean historic timber house

Abstract

The aims of this research is to analysis a Caribbean historic timber house using nondestructive techniques (NDT). The high cultural and historic value that have the timber buildings in the Caribbean and the necessity to preserve them as intact as possible, make NDTs to gain importance at the moment to selected the method to preserver and assess a historical structures in order to survive damages arising from several reasons including damaged by time. The selected techniques concern the measurement of some physical/mechanical properties and condition. The NDT analyses have been grouped under four major: visual inspection, optical, ultrasound, and electromagnetic. For analysis was used: Rinntech Resistograph model R650-ED, FLIR System model T420 for Infrared thermography (IRT), ARBOTOM for tomography, Electrical Resistance Measuring (ERM) with DELMHORST BD-2100 pin moisture meter (Protimeter) and MASTERGRIP Digital Thermometer with Laser for superficial temperature. These techniques can be applied “in situ”, without destroying the heritage and do not require to take big samples. Also, are the most appropriate tool for the evaluation the structure, materials and decorative elements of Cultural heritage.