Abstract
The conservation of ancient structures is, in the construction panorama, a highly eco-sustainable operation. In fact, it provides for a very limited consumption of resources. This article provides an in-depth analysis of ancient wooden material, an essential element for drawing up correct conservation interventions. Ancient timber beams have a peculiar morphology of failure dependent on many factors, among which are the species of wood, the quality of the material-knots, presence of fissures caused by shrinkage (checks), direction of the grain, and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. In addition, it is linked to load conditions and static configuration. This paper presents a case study of failed ancient timber members still in place and describes the type of failure as well as the origin and propagation of the cracks. The objective is to provide a classification of the causes and of the effects and their evolution, useful to practitioners and to those who have to make decisions on the timber structures conservation.
Highlights
This paper provides a summary of common cracking patterns and failure mechanisms of ancient timber beams identified in multiple historic case study projects, ranging from the 16th to the early 20th century, and variable for load conditions and wood quality
The evidence of the state of collapse, classified with the procedure proposed in the article, represents a contribution rare in the scientific literature to the slow and complicated knowledge of the mechanical behavior of the ancient wood material
This specialist contribution to the timber structures diagnosis science is essential to allow the interpretation of the state of crisis detected, guiding to the identification of the predominant cause, useful for being able to promptly prepare the necessary conservation measures
Summary
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