In situ assessment of structural timber elements of a historic building by infrared thermography and ultrasonic velocity

Kandemir-Yucel A., Tavukcuoglu A., Caner-Saltik E. N.

INFRARED PHYSICS & TECHNOLOGY, vol.49, no.3, pp.243-248, 2007 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 49 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.infrared.2006.06.012
  • Journal Name: INFRARED PHYSICS & TECHNOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.243-248
  • Keywords: infrared thermography, ultrasonic velocity measurement, non-destructive testing, moisture content analyses, historical timber structures, Aslanhane Mosque, WOOD
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The infrared thermography (IRT) and the ultrasonic velocity measurements (UVM) promise to be particularly important to assess the state of deterioration and the adequacy of the boundary and microclimatic conditions for timber elements. These non-destructive methods supported by laboratory analyses of timber samples were conducted on a 13th century monument, Aslanhane Mosque in Ankara, Turkey. The combined interpretation of the results was done to assess the condition of structural timber elements in terms of their state of preservation, the dampness problems and the recent incompatible repairs affecting them. Results indicated that moist areas in the structure were associated with roof drainage problems and the repairs undertaken with cement-based mortars and plasters and oil-based paints. Juxtaposition of the IRT and UVM together with laboratory analyses was found to be useful to assess the soundness of timber, enhanced the accuracy and effectiveness of the survey and facilitated to build up the urgent and long-term conservation programs. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.