Repair of timber end-beams: Some operational aspects

Some operational aspects related to the technique of rehabilitation of the ancient timber elements making use ofwooden prostheses connected to the sound part of beams by means of bonded-in rodswere analysed. In particular, several methods of onsite preparing the grooves hosting the bars were compared in terms of flexural strength. Analogously, the effect of the angle of inclination of the cut for the connection between prosthesis and beam, in a different reinforcing configuration making use of plywood laminas, was also considered. Results showed that the repaired elements have a lower load carrying capability in comparison to solid wood. However, the beams repaired with the method of glued-in rods evidenced strength values generally not lower than the wood characteristic values, whereas the method of preparation of grooves did not significantly affect the strength. Finally, an evaluation of the extent of reversibility associated with this technique was also carried out.