Ultrasound testing forms part of a new TRADA Technology Ltd service for the conservation, restoration and repair of timber structures.
The three-stage service, designed to meet a variety of client requirements, is expected to be helpful to owners and managers of buildings of cultural and historic interest, or on renovations and conversions where a change of use is involved.
It was developed to answer the difficulty of demonstrating how old structures can meet modern regulatory requirements. The service comprises an inspection with grading, calculations and monitoring.
By using ultrasound non-destructive testing to supplement information gained in stage one inspections, TRADA Technology specialists may be able to allocate higher strength classes, or assign design properties matched to the identified species and grade.
Stage two outputs are delivered in a comprehensive report and can include CAD details, proposals for suitable remedial treatments, installation advice, cost indicators and links to contractors. The final stage involves design and detailing of essential remedial work.