Laser scan of timber beam showing internal damage

Secrets of the Past: How Laser Scanners and Drilling Uncover Hidden Timber Structure Weaknesses

Kai Mendoza in Tech & Innovation September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how cutting-edge technology combines to reveal the unseen decay and structural vulnerabilities in historical timber beams."

Historical buildings often contain timber structures that have endured for centuries. These structures, however, are susceptible to damage from decay, hidden surfaces, and irregular cross-sections, making assessment challenging. Traditional methods often fall short, leading to potential safety risks and incomplete restoration efforts.

But what if we could see inside these ancient timbers without causing further harm? Imagine uncovering hidden weaknesses and decay, ensuring the preservation of these historical treasures for generations to come. Thanks to innovative technology, this vision is becoming a reality.

A groundbreaking methodology combining laser scanning and drilling resistance tests is transforming how we analyze timber beams. This non-destructive approach provides detailed insights into the internal structure, allowing for more accurate assessments and informed preservation strategies.

What's the Big Deal About Combining Lasers and Drills?

Laser scan of timber beam showing internal damage

The key lies in the synergy between these two techniques. Laser scanning creates a precise three-dimensional model of the timber beam's exterior, capturing its shape and any visible irregularities. This method, known as LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), offers a non-invasive way to document the structure's geometry.

However, laser scanning alone cannot reveal what lies beneath the surface. That's where drilling resistance tests come in. By carefully drilling into the timber and measuring the resistance encountered, experts can detect variations in density and identify areas of decay, voids, or insect damage. This method, while minimally invasive, provides valuable information about the internal condition of the wood.

Non-Destructive Assessment: Preserves the integrity of historical timber.
Comprehensive Analysis: Combines surface and internal data for a holistic view.
Accurate Geometry: Precisely maps the dimensions and irregularities.
Decay Detection: Identifies hidden decay, voids, and insect damage.
Informed Preservation: Enables targeted and effective conservation strategies.

The combined approach creates a comprehensive picture of the timber beam's condition. The laser scan provides the external context, while the drilling resistance tests reveal the internal secrets. This allows for a more accurate assessment of structural integrity and helps guide preservation efforts.

Preserving Our Past, One Beam at a Time

The fusion of laser scanning and drilling resistance represents a significant leap forward in preserving historical timber structures. By providing a comprehensive and non-destructive assessment method, this technology empowers conservationists to make informed decisions, ensuring these invaluable structures endure for future generations. As technology advances, we can expect even more sophisticated methods to emerge, further enhancing our ability to safeguard our architectural heritage.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1617/s11527-018-1225-9, Alternate LINK

Title: First Results On The Combination Of Laser Scanner And Drilling Resistance Tests For The Assessment Of The Geometrical Condition Of Irregular Cross-Sections Of Timber Beams

Subject: Mechanics of Materials

Journal: Materials and Structures

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Manuel Cabaleiro, Jorge M. Branco, Hélder S. Sousa, Borja Conde

Published: 2018-07-13

Everything You Need To Know

How do laser scanners work in assessing the condition of old timber structures?

Laser scanners, utilizing LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, generate a precise three-dimensional model of the timber beam's exterior. This process captures the shape, dimensions, and any visible irregularities on the surface. The accuracy of the geometry provided by laser scanning is crucial, because it allows for a detailed understanding of the external condition, which is the first step in a comprehensive assessment. It's a non-invasive approach, ensuring the structural integrity remains intact during the assessment.

What role do drilling resistance tests play in evaluating the internal condition of timber beams?

Drilling resistance tests provide insights into the internal condition of timber beams by measuring the resistance encountered when a drill penetrates the wood. These tests can identify variations in density, and pinpoint areas of decay, voids, or insect damage within the timber. This method complements laser scanning by offering a view beneath the surface, revealing the internal secrets of the wood. This process is minimally invasive, preserving most of the original structure while still gathering important information.

Why is the combination of laser scanning and drilling resistance tests considered a significant advancement in timber structure assessment?

The combination of laser scanning and drilling resistance tests provides a comprehensive, non-destructive method for assessing historical timber structures. Laser scanning maps the external geometry, while drilling resistance tests reveal internal conditions. This synergy enables a more accurate assessment of structural integrity, guiding informed preservation strategies. This approach is a leap forward, because it preserves the historical value while ensuring safety and long-term preservation.

What are the main advantages of using non-destructive assessment techniques, such as laser scanning and drilling resistance tests, on historical timber structures?

Non-destructive assessment techniques, including laser scanning and drilling resistance tests, offer several key advantages. They preserve the integrity of the historical timber, preventing further damage. They provide a comprehensive analysis, combining surface and internal data for a holistic view of the structure. This method also enables accurate geometry mapping, allowing for precise documentation of dimensions and irregularities. Most importantly, they allow for the detection of hidden decay, voids, and insect damage, leading to informed and effective preservation strategies. Using these techniques allow for targeted conservation efforts, extending the lifespan of these invaluable structures.

How does the combined approach of laser scanning and drilling resistance tests contribute to the preservation of historical buildings?

The combined approach of laser scanning and drilling resistance tests is instrumental in preserving historical buildings by providing a comprehensive and non-destructive assessment method. The laser scan captures the external context, while drilling resistance tests reveal internal conditions, helping to identify weaknesses. This process allows conservationists to make informed decisions regarding necessary repairs and preservation strategies, ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of these invaluable structures. Furthermore, this technology allows for the preservation of these historical treasures for generations to come.