Visual Inspection

Wood is used extensively for both interior and exteri or applications in the construction of a variety of struc tures (residential, agricultural, commercial, government, religious). The deterioration of an in-service wood mem ber may result from a variety of causes during the life of a structure. It is important, therefore, to periodically assess the condition of wood used in structures to determine the extent of deterioration so that degraded members may be replaced or repaired to avoid structural failure. An assess ment is especially critical for building officials in munici palities affected by catastrophic events, such as hurri canes Katrina and Rita (Fig. 1). What is a Structural Condition Assessment? Assessment of the condition of wood in a building can be conducted for a variety of reasons. Code compliance, historic preservation, or alternative uses of a structure are frequently cited reasons for conducting a condition assessment. A structural condition assessment consists of the following: 1) a systematic collection and analysis of data pertaining to the physical and mechanical properties of materials in use; 2) evaluation of the data collected; and 3) providing recommendations, based on evaluation of the collected data, regarding portions of an existing structure that affect its current or proposed use. Such an assess ment relies upon an in-depth inspection of the wood mem bers in the structure. A wide variety of techniques are used to assess the condition of wood in structures. Visual, resistance drilling (probing), and stress wave or ultra-sound-based techniques are all used either individually or in combination to inspect in-service wood