State of conservation of half-timbered walls in Burgos (Spain): Quantitative analysis of material and structural degradation

Abstract

The systematic data collection and quantitative analysis of 225 half-timbered walls found in the province of Burgos made it possible to reach conclusions on the frequency and scope of 27 phenomena of material degradation and 11 types of structural lesions. Almost the entirety of the sample analysed presents some degree of material degradation, mostly slight atmospheric lesions such as surface atmospheric erosion and chromatic alteration and dehydration of the timber. A greater vulnerability to structural lesions, particularly structural deformation, has been observed in this type of wall. The results presented in this text form the basis for understanding the conservation and restoration needs of half-timbered walls, given the indispensability of knowledge of the most common degradation systems.

Microscopic Identification of 24 Timber Samples Obtained from Half-Timber Walls in Northern Spain—Considerations on the Relationship between Species and Constructive Needs

“…Consequently, the cross-analysis proposed in this text between the species identified and the different aspects of construction mostly aims to ascertain the reasons that may have prompted builders to select given species for the construction of particular elements. Equally, identifying the species used could help understand the frequency with which certain elements from the half-timber walls develop degradation phenomena such as rot or the attack of xylophagous insects [39,40].…”