Assessment of the Condition of Wharf Timber Sheet Wall Material by Means of Selected Non-Destructive Methods

Abstract

This paper presents an assessment of the condition of wood coming from a wharf timber sheet wall after 70 years of service in a (sea) water environment. Samples taken from the structure’s different zones, i.e., the zone impacted by waves and characterised by variable water-air conditions, the zone immersed in water and the zone embedded in the ground, were subjected to non-destructive or semi-destructive tests. Also, the basic parameters of the material, such as its density and moisture content, were determined. Moreover, the ultrasonic, stress wave and drilling resistance methods were used. Then, an X-ray microtomographic analysis was carried out. The results provided information about the structure of the material on the micro and macroscale, and the condition of the material was assessed on their basis. Also, correlations between the particular parameters were determined. Moreover, the methods themselves were evaluated with regard to their usefulness for the in situ testing of timber and to estimate, on this basis, the mechanical parameters needed for the static load analysis of the whole structure.

Tests of Concrete Strength across the Thickness of Industrial Floor Using the Ultrasonic Method with Exponential Spot Heads

“…The compressive strength of concrete samples in their various cross-sections was determined with the use of the non-destructive method calibrated with the destructive tests of the samples. This type of examination is being widely used for the range of building materials, such as concrete, wood, steel, ceramics, and for the diagnostics of building structures [20][21][22][23][24][25]. Tests were carried out with the use of the ultrasound method based on longitudinal wave velocities [26].…”

Non-Destructive Testing of Materials in Civil Engineering

“…Paper [25] presents an assessment of the condition of wood from a wharf timber sheet wall after 70 years of service in a (sea)water environment. Samples taken from the structure’s different zones, i.e., the zone impacted by waves and characterized by variable water-air conditions, the zone immersed in water and the zone embedded in the ground were subjected to non-destructive or semi-destructive tests.…”

“…Also, correlations between the particular parameters were determined. Moreover, the methods themselves were evaluated with regard to their usefulness for the in situ testing of timber and to estimate the mechanical parameters needed for the static load analysis of the whole structure [25].…”

Semi-Destructive and Non-Destructive Tests of Timber Structure of Various Moisture Contents

“…As far as building studies are concerned, the most interesting moisture ranges are those up to the fibre saturation level. There are, however, cases where it will be necessary to conduct tests at much higher moisture content levels, even up to complete fibre saturation with water, i.e., members permanently immersed in water, such as wooden piles, palisades, or bridge elements [ 37 , 38 ].…”