I have a project that is an evaluation of an existing structure. The building has three stories partially supported by exterior glued-laminated columns. The owner fears, and I agree that due to poor detailing the interior of the columns are decaying. Does anyone know a testing firm that has the capability to do ultrasonic (or other method)testing to determine the density of the wood on the inside of the column? The columns are approx. 10 3/4" x 36". Any related advice would also be appreciated.
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non-destructive testing of wood
- Thread starter AKDV
- Start date
darthsoilsguy2
Geotechnical
i'm just a level 2 UT, maybe a level 3 might have a better idea.
I can't think of a good application of UT here. There could be something done with some really low frequency (not UT) sound comparing the adverse area to a cross-section that you're comfortable about. I wonder how the laminations would affect it. Every lamination is a rebound point in UT and it's up to the evaluator to determine if that is a defect or what it is suppose to do. However, it sounds more like a science experiment than a practical application to me.
Perhaps there is a penetration-based test method to come at it from the side. maybe the glulam fabricators know of some tests they use on the fabrication that has some applicability to field testing. Maybe electric resistivity testing with probes to see if the materials are saturated and determine extent of damage.
I can't think of a good application of UT here. There could be something done with some really low frequency (not UT) sound comparing the adverse area to a cross-section that you're comfortable about. I wonder how the laminations would affect it. Every lamination is a rebound point in UT and it's up to the evaluator to determine if that is a defect or what it is suppose to do. However, it sounds more like a science experiment than a practical application to me.
Perhaps there is a penetration-based test method to come at it from the side. maybe the glulam fabricators know of some tests they use on the fabrication that has some applicability to field testing. Maybe electric resistivity testing with probes to see if the materials are saturated and determine extent of damage.
Compositepro
Chemical
There are tools to take core samples from trees. It leaves about a 1/8" diameter hole, which would be easy to patch.
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