Innovative methodology for the non-destructive evaluation of timber frame walls by SCAN

The experimental protocol developed in the project was adopted first by material, then by succession of materials and so on until the total composition of a wood-frame wall: cladding, air gap, rain screen, OSB panel, insulation, wood studs, vapour barrier, air gap, plasterboard. A 3D reconstruction and cross-referencing of the signals obtained for the signature of the sound materials and those with defects: cut or compressed insulation, presence of metal, presence of moisture. The results obtained showed that the different components of the wall can be identified with precision on the dimensions and depth of the layers. In addition, the GPR Radar technique allows the detection of moisture in the wood, which would indicate the state of degradation of the frameworks that are in contact with the singular points and the defects found in the wall.

In the long term, this information will be used for auditing, building diagnostics, damage analysis or to justify the conformity of new buildings.