Degradation of wooden surfaces in historical buildings: integrated sensing and modeling techniques for monitoring and conservation

Wood is one of the oldest building materials and, thanks to its favourable mechanical and technological properties, one of the most versatile (e.g. both apt for structural and not structural uses). Due to its biological nature, wooden artefacts can undergo to alteration during their service life that can be caused by mechanical, environmental or biological agents (bacteria, fungi, insects). Wood surfaces are the most vulnerable parts of the artefact, since they are the most exposed to altering factors, such as wear and/or weathering. The assessment of actual conditions of wooden surfaces in existing buildings and the possibility of predicting their future performance is a key issue for any conservation plan. In this paper it is discussed the integrated use of NDT methodolo- gies and modelling techniques to assess, monitor and predict wood surface properties and alterations, as a support for conservation actions.