Open AccessDefect characterization, diagnosis and repair of wood flooring based on a field survey
Author(s) -
António H. S. Delgado,
Cristiana Palmela Pereira,
Jorge de Brito,
José Dinis Silvestre
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
materiales de construcción
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.539
H-Index - 30
eISSN - 1988-3226
pISSN - 0465-2746
DOI - 10.3989/mc.2018.01817
Subject(s) - softwood , hardwood , characterization (materials science) , field survey , forensic engineering , materials science , environmental science , composite material , engineering , civil engineering , nanotechnology , botany , biology
A statistical characterization of defects in 35 buildings and 98 wood floorings (softwood and hardwood floors, and laminated and engineered wood floors), their diagnostic methods and repair solutions is presented. An expert system for inspecting wood flooring, comprising the classification of defects, their most probable causes, diagnostic methods and repair techniques, was used. Results include age, affected area, severity and frequency of defects and their main causes, as well as appropriate diagnostic methods, preventive and curative repair solutions most prescribed and the most significant correlations. Scratches were detected in more than five sixths of the sample, highly associated with exterior mechanical actions, and with an inadequate finishing layer. Wearing of the finishing layer was detected in a quarter of the inspected floorings. Accordingly, the application of a suitable finishing layer and, alternatively, its replacement are the most prescribed repair techniques.