Condition assessment of wood structural members at Yu Tomb of the Ming Dynasty, China

摘要

A detailed survey and inspection of the wood members at Yu Tomb of the Ming Dynasty in Beijing, China, was conducted during a structure renovation project. Visual classification and nondestructive inspection procedures were employed to assess the physical and mechanical conditions of the wood members taken down from the Soul Tower and the in-place members of the Three Gates and the Holy beam. Stress-wave-timing and resistance micro-drilling tests were found effective in detecting internal structural defects of the wood members in ancient structures and providing scientific data for accurate condition classification. The results of this inspection project provided the architects and construction engineers reliable data to develop a cost-effective renovation plan that can maximize the reuse of the original materials, at the same time ensure the safety of the historic structure.