Inspection & NDT to verify structural reliability of historic wooden roofs in the ex-Meroni spinning-mill

The Meroni spinning-mill, an industrial archaeological complex of historic and cultural importance, is the only surviving testimonial - integral, although in decay - of former economic activity in the province. In view of its preservation, inspections and NDT have been carried out on the wooden roof structures to verify and quantify the material consistency, to determine the degree of decay and risk of collapse. The inspection phases involved: identification of wood species; determination of natural durability and class of biological risk; location and evaluation of defects, alterations, critical zones; pathologies; environmental and wood moisture condition; evaluation of residual bearing resistance, photographic survey. The data plotting and reporting has been organized in thematic maps, catalogue of all structural elements, considerations of reliability, assessment of residual resistant sections and initial intervention indications. Local decay has been identified and explained in terms of a prolonged lack of maintenance, responsible for partial loss of material.