The study of timber structures based on in situ investigation

The lack of knowledge of the structural behaviour and performances of timber structures often led to their loss and substitution with modern structures, or to invasive strengthening works. Ignorance is a cause of loss of these structures also because if their value isn't recognized, people will not develop the moral imperative to preserve them. Just because ignorance is one of the main causes of loss of this heritage, knowledge is the first goal to be reached aiming to its preservation. The most important source of knowledge of an existing structure is its direct survey. In situ investigations should aim to collect data about many aspects of the structure: general geometry and details of single members, internal joints, and metal reinforcements; wooden species and defects; evidences of decay; deformations or displacements; but also relation with other structural elements or systems, signs of timber processing, indications of the reuse of materials, etc. All the gathered data should allow an interpretation of the gradual change in time of the structure's physical reality, of its technological conception and of its structural behaviour since the original design by the carpenter or engineer, through the subsequent works or "natural" evolutions, unto the current state.