Application of Non-Destructive Testing Methods for the Assessment and Prediction of Wooden Roof Truss Serviceability - 3Pager

The condition assessment and maintenance of existing timber structures remain a key challenge in the transition towards a circular built environment. Timber roof trusses, in particular, are highly sensitive to environmental conditions such as moisture and temperature, which can lead to progressive degradation and reduced structural performance over time. Traditional inspection methods are often limited to visual assessments, which may fail to detect early-stage damage or capture temporal variations in material behaviour. This work addresses these limitations through the application of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods combined with continuous sensor-based monitoring.Manual inspection techniques are complemented with environmental and material measurements, enabling a more accurate and data-driven evaluation of structuralcondition. The study focuses on identifying moisture-related degradation mechanisms and understanding their evolution through in-situ monitoring in real-world case studies. Aligned with the REINCARNATE innovations “Building Inspection & Valuation” and “Predictive Life-Cycle Information”, the proposed approach contributes to improving the reliability of condition assessment and establishing a foundation for predictive lifecycle analysis. The results support the development of monitoring-based strategies for maintenance, life extension, and more informed decision-making in the management of existing building components.