CONTROL OF TIMBER DECAY IN HISTORIC BUILDINGS : MAINTENANCE AND TESTING PROCESS

Abstract

Each country is unique and has its own sense of identity, heritage and culture. Despite the fact that Singapore is a small country, she has her own history and traditions which are found in different corners of our small land. Buildings are agents of history and culture which at the same time, provide us architectural and social significance to our country. Therefore it is important to preserve buildings that serve such significances which provide us overview of the country’s progressive improvements and development.

The proposal of this study is to assess the maintenance system of historical monuments in Singapore and the methods of non-destructive testing of timber structures used. A case study and interviews are done to provide a more in-depth understanding of how the whole maintenance, inspection and detection processes of decayed timber structures in historical monuments function in Singapore. Steps and methods available for maintenance and inspection will be then be identified and examined.

Different non-destructive techniques (NDT) for timber decays are being introduced and examined in this study. They are recommended as a method to improve the effectiveness of maintenance and to achieve financial savings. Applications of some NDT are also recommended in the case study.

This dissertation also hopes to divert the attention to the inspection and detection aspects in preserving historical monuments and at the same time, create greater awareness in this aspect.