An overview of the development of on-site assessment for timber structures in Australia

Title: An overview of the development of on-site assessment for timber structures in Australia
Author(s): K. Crews
Paper category : conference
Book title: RILEM Symposium on On Site Assessment of Concrete, Masonry and Timber Structures - SACoMaTiS 2008
Editor(s): L. Binda, M. di Prisco, R. Felicetti
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-061-5
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-075-2
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2008
Pages: 1113 - 1124
Total Pages: 12
Nb references: 10
Language: English

Abstract: The use of non destructive assessment techniques for evaluating the "health" and safety of existing timber structures has become a key focus of interest over the past 20 years for Engineers who act as the asset managers of public infrastructure - such as utility poles, buildings and bridges. Over this period considerable research has been taken throughout the world using a variety of technologies to accurately identify the effects of aging and degradation of structural elements. There are usually two considerations that must be held in tension in quantifying these effects; the first seeks to keep the structure in-service for as long as possible in order to maximise the economic life of the asset, whilst the second focuses on the imperative of maintaining public safety.
This paper presents an overview of several research and development projects undertaken in Australia over the past 15 years that have contributed to the current "state of the art" of non destructive on-site assessment of timber structures, and discusses some of the issues associated with their implementation and acceptance.

Online publication: 2009-05-26
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00