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    Building Pathology

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    An-an Chan
    This document provides an introduction and literature review on defects that can occur in timber used for building materials. It discusses common timber defects such as dry rot, insect or termite infection, timber decay, dampness, mould fungi attack, and sagging and bending. For each defect, it describes the symptoms and possible causes and provides potential remedies. The literature review covers advantages and disadvantages of using timber as a building material and discusses factors that can cause biological and non-biological deterioration.

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    Building Pathology

    Uploaded by

    An-an Chan
    295 views21 pages
    This document provides an introduction and literature review on defects that can occur in timber used for building materials. It discusses common timber defects such as dry rot, insect or termite infection, timber decay, dampness, mould fungi attack, and sagging and bending. For each defect, it describes the symptoms and possible causes and provides potential remedies. The literature review covers advantages and disadvantages of using timber as a building material and discusses factors that can cause biological and non-biological deterioration.

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    Timber defect

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    This document provides an introduction and literature review on defects that can occur in timber used for building materials. It discusses common timber defects such as dry rot, insect or termite infection, timber decay, dampness, mould fungi attack, and sagging and bending. For each defect, it describes the symptoms and possible causes and provides potential remedies. The literature review covers advantages and disadvantages of using timber as a building material and discusses factors that can cause biological and non-biological deterioration.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pptx, pdf, or txt
    295 views21 pages

    Building Pathology

    Uploaded by

    An-an Chan
    This document provides an introduction and literature review on defects that can occur in timber used for building materials. It discusses common timber defects such as dry rot, insect or termite infection, timber decay, dampness, mould fungi attack, and sagging and bending. For each defect, it describes the symptoms and possible causes and provides potential remedies. The literature review covers advantages and disadvantages of using timber as a building material and discusses factors that can cause biological and non-biological deterioration.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 21

    DEFECT ON TIMBER

    BUILDING PATHOLOGY AND CONTROL II


    (BSS555)

    Prepared for:

    Pn Hasnizan Aksah

    Prepared by:

    Wan Nur Anis Wan Ab Aziz

    Matric No:

    2013835846

    1.0 INTROCDUCTION
    Defect diagnosis is simply a logical way of proceeding
    from the evidence to the cause of a defect, after which
    remedies can be prescribed.
    It is important not to have preconceived ideas on cause,
    not to jump to conclusion otherwise an incorrect remedy
    may be put in hand perhaps more expensive than
    necessary.
    Diagnosis is based on commonsense as much as any
    profound knowledge of building technology. Timber is still in
    demand as a buildingmaterial in both the sub-urban and
    rural areas of Malaysia (Lim, 1987).

    INTROCDUCTION (cont`d)
    Statistics on occupied living accommodations for
    Peninsular Malaysia in 1970 showed the material for houses
    with approximately two-thirds of homes built with timber
    walls,7.8% used a combination of planks with bricks, and
    9.9% used bricks, while 6.8% were constructed of concrete.

    According to Richardson (2001), the effects of defects and


    deterioration or otherwise commonly referred to as damages
    and failures in the quality, function, use and beauty, in
    buildings are dependent on the surrounding conditions and
    time.

    INTROCDUCTION (cont`d)
    . Timber defects such as physical decay, excess live
    moisture content, dimensional instability and chemical
    deterioration, can be grouped in to non-biological
    deterioration and biological deterioration which are caused
    by non-living and living organisms respectively.

    The amount of exposure to the environment that the


    particular timber is subjected to and to a smaller degree, the
    design as well as the physical use of the said timber play a
    role in causing these defects

    2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW


    Timber is a very flexible material for building structure, if not
    remedial action is taken to protect and prevent it from
    deterioration. The occurrences of defects in timber house
    more common due to the effect of biological agents, termites,
    poor standard of workmanship (Son and Yuen, 1993)
    According to Seeley (1987), damp timber with moisture
    content of above 20% is required for fungus growth. Damp
    and still air conditions particularly in prolonged periods will
    augment the establishment and increase of fungus growth.

    2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW(properties)


    . According to Hick in (1972), organic substances like wood
    deteriorate. Time alone does not cause timber to deteriorate
    but rather it occurs due to deterioration agents such as
    vegetable, animal, mineral or physical factors.

    These factors can be summarised as fungi attack, woodboring animals, mechanical wear, chemical degradation or
    decomposition of wood, heat and bacteria.

    2.2 LITERATURE REVIEW


    (advantages)
    Advantages

    Description

    Excellent insulator

    Sound isolation is based on the mass of the


    surface. Wood, as a light material, is not very
    perfect for sound isolation; But it is ideal for
    sound absorption. Wood prevents echo and
    noise by absorbing sound. For this reason it is
    extensively used in concert halls.

    Electrical Properties

    An oven dried wood is a very good electrical


    insulator. To some extent air dried wood is the
    same. Unfortunately electrical resistance of
    wood is lowered by increasing the moisture
    content. The resistance of wood saturated with
    water. Static electricity that is dangerous for
    human health is not observed in wood unlike
    metal, plastic and other materials. For this
    reason wood is preferred as a healthy material.

    LITERATURE REVIEW
    (advantages)
    Advantages

    Description

    Shrinkage and Swelling of Wood

    Wood is a hygroscopic material. This means that


    it will adsorb surrounding condensable vapors
    and loses moisture to air below the fiber
    saturation point.

    Deterioration of Wood

    The agents causing the deterioration and


    destruction of wood fall into two categories:

    Biotic (biological)
    Abiotic (non-biological).
    Biotic agents include decay and mold fungi,
    bacteria and insects.
    Abiotic agents include sun, wind, water, certain
    chemicals and fire.

    2.3 LITERATURE REVIEW


    (disadvantages)
    Disadvantages

    Description

    Biotic Deterioration of Wood

    Woods are organic goods. Like any organic good,


    wood is a nutritional product for some plants
    and animals. Humans can not digest cellulose
    and the other fiber ingredients of wood, but
    some fungi and insects can digest it, and use it as
    a nutritional product. Insects drill holes and drive
    lines into wood. Even more dangerously, fungi
    cause the wood to decay partially and even
    completely.

    Fungi

    The temperature must be 25-30C for optimum


    growth of most wood rotting fungi. But some of
    them can tolerate temperature between 0-45C.
    Oxygen is essential for the growth of fungi. In the
    absence of oxygen no fungi will grow. It is well
    known that storage of wood under water will
    protect them against attacks by fungi.

    LITERATURE REVIEW
    (disadvantages)
    Disadvantages

    Description

    Aesthetic Properties

    Wood is a decorative material when considered


    as an aesthetic material. Each tree has its own
    color, design and smell the design of a tree does
    change according to the way it is sliced. It is
    possible to find different wooden materials
    according to color and design preference. It can
    be painted to darker colors of varnished, and can
    be given bright or mat touches.

    Oxidation Properties

    Although wood has oxidation characteristics in


    some way, it is not the kind of oxidation seen in
    metals. Metals get rust, wood doesnt. For such
    characteristics, use of wood is preferred to avoid
    rust when necessary.

    3.0 TYPE OF DEFECT


    a) DESCRIPTION
    Dry rot
    fungus is a living organism.
    An attack seeds that roots into the timber to feed on the cellulose.
    forming a matt of cotton wool-like threads called mycelia

    b) SYMPTOM
    lose strength, develop cracks in brick-shape patterns
    dry and powdery that it can easily be crumbled in
    the hand.
    c) POSSIBLE CAUSES
    Caused by a fungus that feeds on the cellulose found
    mainly in sapwood (the outer layers of a growing tree).
    by certain fungi that deteriorate timber in buildings and other
    wooden construction seemingly without an apparent source of
    moisture.
    d) REMEDIES
    removal of the moisture source, creating ventilation to make a dry
    environment, diagnosis of fungal growth and the removal of
    defective timber
    Dry rot normally requires chemical treatment and cutting out and
    replacing the defective timber

    TYPE OF DEFECT (cont`d)


    a) DESCRIPTION
    Insect or termite infection
    Timber can deteriorate easily if left exposed to water penetration
    or high moisture content and loading beyond its capacity
    b) SYMPTOM
    Shelter Tubes - Termites build mud tubes to protect themselves
    from dry air and sunlight as they travel from their underground
    colony into your house.
    Damage - As termite workers consume wood they create honey
    combed galleries which run parallel to the grain of the wood. There
    is often more damage than at first thought due to their secretive
    lifestyle and consumption of wood from the inside out.
    c) POSSIBLE CAUSES
    biological attack within the wood by certain species of fungi.
    Termites attack wood that live close to the ground and in damp
    conditions
    Groans conducted by mushrooms can cause wood to rot
    d) REMEDIES
    ensure the wood stays dry and treat with creosote oil
    Attack by fungi which attack wood can be overcome by having
    good ventilation in the timber

    TYPE OF DEFECT (cont`d)


    a) DESCRIPTION
    Timber decay
    the dampness or moisture is naturally produced from evaporation
    resulting from living activities in the building. This situation will be
    aggravated by lack of ventilation.

    b) SYMPTOM
    damage to the wooden structures is more evident at the dampest
    most part.

    c) POSSIBLE CAUSES
    Moisture from the ground can diffuse up through the floor diffuse
    through roof and wall from leakage using inappropriate use of
    components or materials

    d) REMEDIES
    Rectifying the sources of dampness and bad ventilation
    All traces of decayed timber should then be removed

    TYPE OF DEFECT (cont`d)


    a) DESCRIPTION
    Dampness

    Dampness can be a serious matter, particularly to building located


    near water sources
    b) SYMPTOM
    Dark fungi spot at the timber
    Bad smell
    Rot at the bottom of the affection timber

    c) POSSIBLE CAUSES
    Water entering building through different routes.
    Water penetration occurs commonly through walls exposed to
    prevailing wet wind or rain.
    d) REMEDIES
    Rectifying the sources of dampness and bad ventilation
    All traces of decayed timber should then be removed

    TYPE OF DEFECT (cont`d)


    a) DESCRIPTION
    Mould Fungi attack
    Grow in the interior of the wood or appear on wood surfaces as
    fan-shaped patches of fine, threadlike, cottony growths or as root
    like shapes
    b) SYMPTOM
    The color of these growths may range from white through light
    brown, bright yellow and dark brown.
    The spore-producing bodies may be mushrooms, shelf-like
    brackets or structures with a flattened, crust-like appearance.
    c) POSSIBLE CAUSES
    caused by very small organisms called fungi.
    Deadwood conks and mushrooms are visible examples of the
    fruiting bodies of fungi from which reproductive spores are
    produced and disseminated
    d)REMEDIES
    Protective Treatments. Timber can be treated for wood decay
    fungi with specialised products. Waterproofing treatments can also
    be applied that can provide long term protection.
    Subfloor Ventilation. Ventilation can provide good reduction in
    atmospheric moisture levels in subfloor areas

    TYPE OF DEFECT (cont`d)


    a) DESCRIPTION
    Sagging and Bending
    The Glossary of Building Terms, SAA FIB 50 describes
    'deformation' as a change of shape of a structural member or
    structure, resulting from the applications of load(s).
    b) SYMPTOM
    Wood frame are wet due to sagging and leakage at roof
    The sagging and bending floor are clearly seen.
    c) POSSIBLE CAUSES
    Under-design of wall framing through use of under-sized or
    under-specified structural timbers
    Overloading the wall
    Foundation movement with failure of walling, piers and stumps or
    posts to bearer level due to differential movements of supports on
    expansive soils or foundation failure
    Wind damage
    Timber pest damage with weakened structural timbers unable to
    support normal loading
    d) REMEDIES
    Rectifying the timber as soon as possible
    Remove the loading inside the building

    TYPE OF DEFECT (cont`d)


    a) DESCRIPTION
    Distorted
    In the building industry a lack of straightness will obstruct the
    building process at the building site
    b) SYMPTOM
    Distorted in window frame
    Distorted in door frame
    Distorted in wood frames and connectors
    c) POSSIBLE CAUSES
    the load is not evenly distribute
    Improper installation
    Due to change of weather hot and cold
    No lintel
    Joist beam switch
    d) REMEDIES
    Removes the loading material from the building

    TYPE OF DEFECT (cont`d)


    a) DESCRIPTION
    Defect due to marine borers
    Timber may in certain circumstances be attacked by various woodboring insects, which differ in their choice of species and condition
    of the wood- from standing trees to woodwork which has been in
    service for many years.
    b) SYMPTOM
    a number of fungi are capable of attacking wood in fresh and salt
    water, as long as the water is sufficiently
    The colour of the wood change
    Bad odour
    Dimension change shrinkage

    c) POSSIBLE CAUSES
    wood absorbs moisture more rapidly than sound wood,
    presumably because the boreholes in the cell walls made by the
    hyphen allow for more rapid entry of water.
    When the dissolved oxygen content of water becomes low, fungal
    growth is inhibited but bacterial activity is promoted. rated
    d) REMEDIES
    can be controlled by dual treatment of the wood using coppercontaining salts followed by coal-tar creosote.
    Apply insect treatment to the infected wood

    TYPE OF DEFECT (cont`d)


    a) DESCRIPTION
    Chemical Stain
    When discolorations produced by fungi, wood is also subject to
    certain other stains that result from chemical changes in wood cell
    walls
    b) SYMPTOM
    Such stains are found in both softwoods and hardwoods.
    brown stains to yellow to dark-brown discolorations
    c) POSSIBLE CAUSES
    cause by enzymatic or non-enzymatic oxidation of certain organic
    compounds largely confined to sapwood

    d) REMEDIES
    Controlling air moisture levels and minimizing condensation.
    This includes proper site drainage and damprpoofing, and use of
    soil covers, vapour retarders, insulation and ventilation as ambient
    Conditions

    TYPE OF DEFECT (cont`d)


    a) DESCRIPTION
    Due to weather
    b) SYMPTOM
    Timber suffers from cupping, warping, grain raising, checking,
    splitting, swelling and splintering.
    c) POSSIBLE CAUSES
    Cause the wood to cracking
    Cause the wood to warping
    Causes roughening of the surface, checking, splitting and wood
    cell erosion.
    Movement of moisture into and out of the timber on a regular
    basis which does occur to untreated timber, sunlight also
    contributes.
    d) REMEDIES
    A water-repellent preservative is recommended to minimize
    weathering, shrinking and swelling

    4.0 CONCLUSION
    The causes and control of wood decay, degradation
    and stain are numerous. Many
    problems can be eliminated or greatly reduced by using
    the right wood for the right job. Lumber
    used outdoors should always be pressure treated to the
    appropriate retention level
    necessary for the job.
    Also, water-repellent preservatives applied yearly will
    slow weathering
    of privacy fences, decks and outdoor furniture. Many
    problems with untreated wood could be
    eliminated by simply keeping it dry

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