Woodcare was a European project coordinated by English Heritage. The aim of the research was to develop more targeted and more environmentally friendly treatment methods for Death watch beetle infections in Oak constructions of historical buildings. TNO has developed two new methods for fast and reliable detection of Death watch beetle larvae and related fungal decay in Oak. The problem with Death watch beetle is that the extent of the decay is difficult to judge, without destroying the wood structures. Sonic detection proved to be extremely successful in early stages of decay in laboratory samples and in wood in buildings. Furthermore, several chemical analysis methods were used to identify different stages of decay by three fungi in wood in laboratory conditions. From these methods, Pyrolysis mass spectrometry was the most promising, and was then also used on wood samples from buildings. Results of both detection methods are summarized and discussed.

Download document (1.6 Mb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document