Examination of Connections and Deterioration in Timber Structures Using Digital Radioscopy

Abstract

Structures have been examined with traditional x-ray technology using film and high-energy x-ray sources for decades. However, due to safety concerns and the high costs involved, use of this technology has been quite limited. This paper presents a summary of recent x-ray examinations of connections in buildings and potential applications of digital radioscopy for investigation of joint damage and wood deterioration in structures. The field investigations showed that adoption of digital, real-time x-ray equipment for structure investigations can provide numerous benefits to the engineering community.