A method for the determination of the timber density through the statistical assessment of ND transverse measurements aimed at in situ mechanical identification of existing timber structures

In the context of a wide research study for in situ mechanical identification of ancient timber structures by non-destructive techniques (NDTs), the paper illustrates a method for the determination of the density of timber elements, through the statistical combination of in situ sclerometric needle penetration and resistance drilling parameters measured in transverse direction. The method is applied to ancient chestnut samples, even though it can have a general validity. Once estimated the density, the mechanical properties both in compression and in bending can be evaluated through correlations with density.