Application of NIR spectroscopy in building sector

The construction industry is one of the most important sectors in Europe. It provides 18 million direct jobs and contributes to 9% of the EU's GDP. Wood-based industries are an important part of it having over 1 million employees in 184 thousand enterprises across EU. Even if majority of the construction materials used in Europe today are primarily derived from and manufactured using of nonrenewable resources the increase use of wood and other biomaterials is observed. Such materials often called "building materials of the 21st century" have become recognized as an attractive alternative to several traditional building solutions due to their sustainability and possibility of cascade use. However, in many applications and environments, the operational durability is still a limiting factor. The paper presents implementation of NIR spectroscopy for assessment and monitoring of wood and other biomaterials alteration during their service life. Case studies including classification of decay type, understanding the weathering dynamic and characterization of waterlogged wooden samples are briefly illustrated. Examples of materials assessment by both laboratory equipment and portable instruments are presented. Practical application of spectroscopy within timber structure assessment provides very essential supplement to the typical information collected during ordinary tests and is valuable technique supporting expert during assessing buildings.