WOOD 7

MATERIAL MODULE : WOOD

TIMBER AND CONSERVATION OF HISTORIC TIMBER STRUCTURES

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The Lecture by Ar. Mauli Mishra introduced us to Timber, it's characteristics, types and the way to identify and analyze
wood. The lecture threw light on how timber is made and structures of wood behave. The lecture was concluded by an
example of work done by the architect followed by a workshop on wood testing.
Wood is a natural material which is obtained from a tree, a living being. Timber is the wood prepared for use in a
structure or for other use like furniture and joinery. The 19th ICOMOS general assembly adopted and published the
principles for the conservation of wooden built heritage. The principles were to recognize and respect the importance of
structural systems and the detailing, acknowledging the skills involved of the craftsman's and the builders; taking note of
types of wood, the species, qualities of the wood used historically; recognizing the vulnerability of the structures made
partly or whole in wood and also how it is climatically affected by temperature and humidity fluctuations; also how the
structure behaves in natural disasters and the factors affecting the wood.
For any wooden structure it is necessary that the structure is a factor for inspection, survey and research by thorough and
accurate diagnosis. An understanding of its structural system and the failures. The diagnosis must be based on the
documentations, physical inspection and analysis through non destructive testing and laboratory testing. Documentation
is one of the major key elements. while documentation one must also keep a note of observing carpenters marks, the
grain patterns and the joineries used. It is also necessary to keep a record of all these works as it may help in future
conservation efforts. In analysis and evaluation it is important to maintain authenticity of the historic fabric. any
intervention should take into account the overall structural system, non structural elements, surface features, decorative
treatment of the carpenter, traditions and techniques used and the materials used in the construction. The intervention
should be minimal as possible only in cases involving extensive damages and the failures. Also, the original function of a
structure should be maintained except in cases where the intervention will be a prejuducial to the authenticity of the
structure.
Interventions in any wooden structure should be made by formulating a plan. This is to devise a general strategy taking
into account the prevailing cultural values. The original function should be maintained or restored except in the cases
where extension is rather long and big. Interventions should simply take form of simple repairs using traditional methods
or only compatible modern materials and techniques. For interventions regarding structural work introduction of
supplementary structures or materials to be done to reduce the load. The intervention should be sensitive to its approach
and increase the structural stability for longetivity. The intervention should consider the environmental conditions and
not be a prejudice to future conservation measures as such it should be reversal in nature. If any member is replaced it
should match the same species as original as so should the grain pattern and moisture content of the timber member.
Same or similar technique should be used to make the member. The member should not be artificially aged and the
member used should be evenly colored only if case specified for cultural significance. Marking of new members is
important as it helps during future conservation measures.
Wood conservation requires a deep knowledge of
structure and properties in order to be able to understand
the complex relationship between material and
artwork/structural peculiarities and preservation. Wood is
a peculiar material because of its biological origin and its
variety. It is highly hygroscopic and anisotropic in nature.
It shrinks due to the temperature and humidity variations.
It is also susceptible to physical chemical and biological
deterioration. There are two types of species of tree;
angiosperms, basically hardwoods and deciduous trees

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and gymnosperms, which are coniferous or softwood trees. Wood is divided into two parts, Macrostructure and the
microstructure. Macrostructure consists of PITH, the core zone of the wood. Then the radial zone around the pith is
called the HEARTWOOD which is basically the dead zone of the wood good for construction. the layer after that is the
sapwood which is the layer which transports food and nutrients in the tree and the outer surface is bark which is hard. In
between the bark and the sapwood lies the CAMBIUM layer which is the regeneration zone in a tree. Microstructure of a
wood consists of minute units called ells. the basic cell types are tracheid, vessel members, fibers and parenchyma.
Softwoods are made up of tracheid and parenchyma while Hardwoods are made of vessels members, fibers and
parenchyma. The walls of wood cells in both are composed of micro fibers which are made of Cellulose, Hemicelluloses
and Lignin and bits of extractives.

Figure 3 : Grain patterns in a wood

Figure 4 : Microstructure of a wood

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Wood is subjected to degradation by bacteria, fungi,

insects and many other mechanical, thermal and chemical
factors. degradation can affect the wood of living trees,
logs or products causing changes in appearances,
structure or chemical composition. These changes range
from simple discoloration to alterations that render wood
completely useless. Shrinkage and swelling are most
common in wood and the factors affecting it are moisture
content, density, content of extractives, stresses and the
abnormalities in wood structure. The most common types
also arising due to the reaction wood are twist, cup,
crook, bow. The higher the density of the wood, greater is
the shrinkage.
In conclusion, Wood as a material was understood and
the talk by Mauli was concluded by an example of a
structure which she worked on.

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Figure5 : Shrinkages and Swelling

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