Penetration tests on timber elements

The timber penetration tests allow to estimate the mechanical characteristics of existing timber elements. The aim of the test is to propose an estimate of the element strength through calibration curves, or to define the state of conservation of the tested wooden material. The equipment corresponds to a modified rebound hammer to which a tip consisting of a rectified tempered steel needle with a circular section is added to the percussion rod. This tip is driven into the wood with a predetermined number of blows. It is then possible to correlate the penetration depth of the needle to the mechanical characteristics of the timber element and its state of conservation, assuming a correlation between the impact energy and the corresponding penetration.

Reference standard: UNI EN 408:2012.