Determination of wood moisture content with terrestrial laser scanner

The aim of this work is to evaluate the ability of terrestrial laser scanning technology to detect the moisture content in timber structures. For this purpose, an extensive experimental campaign was carried out under lab-oratory conditions. During the campaign, several wood samples were digitised using the Faro Focus 120 phase -shift laser scanner for which a radiometric calibration model is available. The digital level (intensity) of each 3D point cloud was then converted into reflectance values (0-1). These reflectance values were related to the moisture content of samples which was obtained using the oven-drying method and the resistive xylohygrometer device. Finally, a simple methodology based on experimental analytical equations was proposed. The results show that the laser scanner could be a potential non-destructive tool for the diagnosis of wooden construction systems, as it is not only able to detect deformations but also to infer the moisture content of specific areas in wood elements.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of terrestrial laser scanning technology to detect moisture content in timber structures. An extensive experimental campaign was conducted under laboratory conditions, where wood samples were digitized using the Faro Focus 120 phase-shift laser scanner. The reflectance values of each 3D point cloud were related to the moisture content of the samples. The results suggest that the laser scanner could serve as a potential non-destructive tool for diagnosing wooden construction systems, as it can detect deformations and infer moisture content in specific areas of wood elements.