Rot is one of the most common defects found on timber play equipment but can also be very hard to detect externally. Having a micro-drill timber test will give you a better understanding of the internal structure of your timber.
Drilling Resistance Measurement
The IML-RESI System is based on the principle of measuring the drilling resistance. A drilling needle is inserted in the wood under constant drive. While drilling, the needed energy is measured depending on the drilling depth of the needle.
Test Result
The measurement profile delivers information about the internal condition of the wood. It shows annual rings and density behaviour as well as decayed zones in the wood. It is not an absolutely definitive test: what the results will show is if there are any soft areas (decay) or cavities within the timber.
The y-axis describes the drilling resistance in % (Amplitude height).
The x-axis describes the drilled way in cm.
It is possible (likely) that low spots will appear at either end of the graph; this can occur for example when the drill exits the timber on the far side, or where the drill enters through sap wood in a Robinia post (with Robinia the important section is the core timber as this provides the structural strength for the equipment item).
We are not able to predict a percentage of decay or size of cavity that will impact the overall structural stability of an item of equipment. What the results will show is deviations from the solid timber; normally the results shown in the graphs will be self-explanatory. Owners and operators remain responsible for the overall safety of the playground.
Please contact us us for further information and pricing.
