Penetration test on timber elements

The penetration test allows the mechanical properties of existing timber elements to be assessed. The aim of the test is to propose an estimate of the strength of the element by means of calibration curves, or to define the state of conservation of the wooden material. The equipment corresponds to a modified rebound hammer, to which a tip consisting of a rectified tempered steel needle with a circular cross section is added to the percussion rod. This tip is driven into the wood with a predetermined number of blows. It is then possible to correlate the penetration depth of the needle with the mechanical characteristics of the timber element and its state of conservation, assuming a correlation between the impact energy and the corresponding penetration.

Reference standard: UNI EN 408:2012.