Use of non-destructive testing for the evaluation of the preservation state of Iquique Clock Tower, Chilean Historic Monument

Rodrigo Osvaldo Ortiz Mansilla; Nicol Alejandra Fuentes Sazo; Andrés Eduardo Jamet Aguilar; Alberto Aníbal Moya Arredondo; Mauricio Andrés González Moya; María Paz Varela Díaz; Aldo Augusto Ramírez Guerra; Erik Baradit Allendes; Patricia Haydée Martínez Ramírez

Keywords: wood, evaluation, ndt, Moe, evaluación, madera, clock tower, Torre del reloj

Abstract

The Clock Tower, a typical expression of the saltpeter period, is located in Arturo Prat Square in Iquique, Chile. The building, completely made of wood, has endured the passing of time without major modifications. There is concern about its conservation state. However, there are no records of in-depth evaluations that determine its conservation state. The present study, carried out through the use of non-destructive testing (NDT), is an evaluation of its current state. Basic inspection and structural analysis were also included. The results indicate that the wood of the building corresponds to the species Pseudotsuga menziesii (Oregon Pine). The basic inspection does not reveal any significant damage. However, there is evidence of attacks by insects in the larval stage, social insects and brown rot fungi. Abiotic deterioration by defibering is also observed. NDT studies-ultrasound, resistography and xylo hygrometry-allowed the estimation of density and static modulus of elasticity (MOE) in bending. The low density of wood is shown in a static MOE value of only 4.4 GPa. According to Chilean regulations, wood elements were classified as structural class F3. However, the structural analysis determined that the working stresses did not exceed the admissible stresses. At the foundations level, it is necessary to perform intervention actions.

Más información

Título según WOS: Use of non-destructive testing for the evaluation of the preservation state of Iquique Clock Tower, Chilean Historic Monument
Título según SCIELO: Use of non-destructive testing for the evaluation of the preservation state of Iquique Clock Tower, Chilean Historic Monument
Título de la Revista: REVISTA DE LA CONSTRUCCION
Volumen: 18
Número: 2
Editorial: PONTIFICIA UNIV CATOLICA CHILE, ESCUELA CONSTRUCCION CIVIL
Fecha de publicación: 2019
Página de inicio: 238
Página final: 246
Idioma: English
DOI:

10.7764/RDLC.18.2.238

Notas: ISI, SCIELO