Diagnosis and assessment of timber structures using non-destructive techniques: application to the Plaza Mayor in Chinchon (Madrid)

This article shows the work attributed to the assessment, diagnosis and intervention proposal regarding the seen timber structure at the Plaza Mayor in Chinchon (Madrid). Visual recognition techniques and other non-destructive and pseudo non-destructive methods were used such as microphotography, xilohigrometry, ultrasound velocity measurements, screw extraction and resistography. The investigative work allowed for the identification of the original woody species, the characterization of the structural timber and the identification of diverse types of damages and lesions present in order to carry out a structural assessment. It served as a basis to establish an intervention proposal based on the obtained data and the internationally recognized general principles applied to the particular case. Although the overall state of the timber is quite good, thanks to the actions carried out previously, suggestions for constructive intervention and treatments against biotic and abiotic damages were proposed. The investigative work was carried out by the research group of Timber Structures and Wood Technology of the University of Valladolid (http://www.uva.es/maderas), which is composed of multidisciplinary researchers with experience in the fields of construction and architectural restoration and wood technology.