Condition Assessment of the Timber Structures of a Century-Old Industrial Building Using a Nondestructive Inspection Procedure

Abstract

This paper reports an in situ inspection project conducted on heavy timber structures of a century-old industrial building at a paper manufacturing facility. A nondestructive inspection procedure was employed to evaluate the true condition of the heavy timbers that serve as the main framing structure of the building. The on-site investigation involved monitoring of the microclimate environment resulting from the paper machine operations, wood species identification, wood moisture content measurements, and internal decay detection using sounding, stress wave timing, and resistance micro-drilling methods. The testing results revealed that numerous locations were in poor condition indicated by widespread internal and external deterioration, reduced cross-sections from fire damages, and multiple failed members. Many timber members in the first floor exhibited a very high level of moisture condition (23 to 55%) as a result of high humidity air created by the paper making operations. This paper also showcases a new way of interpreting the evaluation results as straightforward as possible to the customer by creating 3D model-drawings and colored condition mappings.

Application of Nondestructive Testing Technologies in Preserving Historic Trees and Ancient Timber Structures in China

“…Then, the entire ancient building was preserved and maintained, and the wooden components with insufficient strength were replaced as well [41]. In 2013, Wang et al conducted an NDT of a century-old wood-frame building at a paper manufacturing facility in Wisconsin, USA [42]. Field investigations included monitoring microclimatic environmental changes caused by paper machine operations, identification of wood species, measurement of wood moisture content, and internal rot detection with a Resistograph and a stress wave transmission velocity method.…”

“…The results showed that many elements were in poor conditions, which appeared as extensive internal and external aging. In addition, some damaged wooden elements due to fire were identified as well as some completely defective parts [42]. In 2015, Ross et al conducted a nondestructive evaluation of a scenic tower (also known as Eagle Tower) located in Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin, USA [43].…”