NDT assessment of timber structures: A case study - Villa Ivonne, Meliana

Abstract

Conservation of historic buildings demands a special assessment method to ensure there is no damage to the existing structures. This concept must be adopted by all architects, engineers and technicians involved in historic building conservation. Floor and roof timber construction was widely extended in the vernacular buildings at Valencia. Floors were built usually by using timber joists, separated at 70 cm each, and with brick vaults between them. Timber roof structures consisted of rafters and rows for pitched roofs, with slopes inferior to 30°. A research group at the Polytechnic University of Valencia [1] has developed a NDT method of assessment of timber structures applied to the historic heritage. "Villa Ivonne", a traditional building located at Meliana, close to Valencia (Spain) with timber roofs. It was used as a case study in which this method of assessment was applied. Besides the NDT measurements, visual inspection was done and its building timber structure system and pathology was studied. In this paper the NDT method is presented, by using ultrasonic, micro drilling and wood hardener devices. From the conclusions of these studies, pathology causes can be identified, and the subsequent repairs can be proposed. © 2011 WIT Press.