Species Identification

The chapter deals with the methodology to be followed for a reliable identification of the wood species present in timber structures. The determination of the species is a basic information for any analysis on wooden artifacts. Specifically for in situ timber structures diagnosis, the determination of the species is crucial for the correct determination of the structural performances of each element. The procedure for the identification of the species passes through three steps: sampling, macroscopic evaluation, microscopic evaluation. A correct sampling, in terms of sample number, representativity and dimensions allows a correct identification procedure; the macroscopic evaluation, with or without the help of a magnifying glass, examines the characteristic aesthetical features (cloud, vein, texture) of the species, but rarely allows a reliable identification of the species. Then the final step is the macroscopic evaluation that examines the anatomical characteristics of the sample by means of optical or electronic microscopes. Both macroscopic and microscopic identifications require significant training experience. In some cases it may be impossible to identify the species and it might be necessary to terminate the identification at a level higher than the species within the botanic taxonomy.