Hyperspectral imaging of weathered wood samples in transmission mode

Abstract

Surfaces are the most vulnerable part of structures due to continuous exposure to variable climatic conditions. Even if weathering mainly affects the aestethic appearance of wooden facades it may lead to more advanced degradation such as wood cracking, checks and consequently penetration of the wood-decaying agents into the material. The goal of this research was to investigate the kinetics of the degradation rate of wooden samples. The experimental specimens were weathered at 15 locations in Europe for a period of 1 month. Hyperspectal imaging was used for evaluation of earlywood and latewood degradation. Two approaches for image analysis were presented highlighting their advantages and constraints regarding the evaluation of weathered samples. The proposed technique was able to scrutinise differences in degradation of earlywood and latewood, therefore provided new understanding for the kinetic of the weathering process.