A multi sensor approach for prediction of weathering effects on exposed timber structures

The goal of this work was an attempt to understand and model the combined effect of time, geographical location, exposure, and coating type on the physical-chemical mechanisms for wood weathering in structures. A series of wooden samples uncoated and coated with top industrial coating has been exposed to natural weathering in seven locations varying in climatic conditions, in Italy and in south of Germany. The set of samples has been exposed for four years, collecting representative samples each year. Four exposure directions (North, South, East and West) were investigated. All the samples have been collected from the field site and stored in a dark and conditioned room including non-weathered reference samples. Measurements of the samples included: photogrammetry, near and mid infrared spectroscopy, colour, gloss, roughness and elemental composition (X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy). Such a wide set of information collected has been used for investigation of the collective effect of the above mentioned variables on the surface properties of timber structures exposed to weathering. A dedicated algorithm has been tested for modelling the exposure time and service life prediction. © (2013) Trans Tech Publicutions, Switzerland.