End-of-life wood quality of mooring poles

The wood quality of an out-of-service timber mooring pole (wood species Dicorynia guianensis) has been assessed after 40 years in service. The resistance level of wood species against fungi determines predominantly the propagation of degradation of timber in hydraulic structures in the critical area around the water-line. Several tests have been performed in order to determine the residual strength and the natural durability. Results of the tests showed that the natural durability of the timber was still comparable with fresh timber. Also, the test results show that the mechanical properties have most probably not changed over time and are comparable with new basralocus. The results of this investigation can be used for decision making regarding possible re-use of structures in the same condition or increase the service life of same timber structures.