Non-Destructive Testing on Wood: What Are the Most Employed Techniques?

Non-destructive testing comprises a set of investigations, tests, and surveys that enable the identification of defects or anomalies in a material without altering or compromising it.
As we have previously discussed in earlier contributions, these tests can be conducted on various types of materials such as concrete or masonry. In this article, we will delve into non-destructive testing on wood for the purpose of assessing its condition and evaluating its static safety.

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The preservation of wooden structures concerns both historical-monumental heritage and civil heritage since many civil buildings are constructed with wooden load-bearing structures. It is closely connected to the previously addressed topic of infrastructure safety in our country.

Non-Destructive Testing on Wood: Causes of Deterioration

Wood, unlike other building materials, has a biological origin that naturally exposes it to biological degradation caused by molds, fungi, and insects. In addition to this type of degradation, other causes can be attributed to design errors, poor maintenance, moisture stagnation, lack of ventilation, as well as disorders and fractures related to the employed wood species and its mechanical properties.

The objective of non-destructive testing is to identify defects and critical issues, evaluate the strength and deformability of wood, and organize consolidation or restoration interventions accordingly.

Non-Destructive Testing on Wood: Most Employed Types of Investigation

Among the types of non-destructive testing, the following are frequently employed:

• Endoscopic structural investigation: An endoscopic probe allows reaching points that are difficult to inspect and provides useful visual and photographic information on defects or anomalies present in wooden structural elements.
• Sclerometric investigation: It measures the modulus of elasticity by penetrating the wood with a steel needle.
• Resistance testing or Resistograph: It measures the elasticity and resistance that wood offers to the penetration of a rotating and penetrating tip at a constant speed.
• Moisture testing: It determines the percentage of moisture present in a wooden element.

Non-Destructive Testing on Wood: Woodtester

Woodtester by Novatest is a wood sclerometer that enables the evaluation of the mechanical characteristics of wooden elements directly on-site.

Would you like to learn more about the technical features and benefits of Woodtester? Request a free consultation now!

In this article, we have presented the most employed techniques for non-destructive testing on wood. If you would like to obtain more information about the services and products that Novatest provides for professionals in this field, please do not hesitate to contact us using the provided form.