Determination of Correlation between Destructive and Nondestructive Test Methods Applied on Modified Wood Exposed to Natural Weathering

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine a correlation between the dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEd) and the static modulus of elasticity (MOEs), and to assess the potential of using nondestructive (NDT) methods as a grading tool for both treated and untreated wood exposed to weathering. In the experiment, test samples made from spruce and oak were exposed for four months to natural weathering. Half of the specimens were treated with a silicon-based nano-protection. The MOEd was determined using acoustic NDT methods–ultrasound transmission (MOEdu) and the vibration methods (MOEdv), while the MOEs was determined by a destructive three-point bending test. The results showed that there was no statistical significance for the influence of the time of exposure and the surface treatment on the modulus of elasticity. The ultrasound method, measured in the longest distance of the sample, had the most significant correlation with the MOEs. The vibration method also reached a similar correlation with the MOEs. The mean values of the MOEdu and MOEdv were higher than the MOEs. The influence of density on the acoustic wave velocity was not confirmed.

Keywords

• Dynamic and static modulus of elasticity
• Ultrasound transmission method
• Surface treatment
• Longitudinal vibration method
• Weathering