ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a framework that was developed for the structural assessment of traditional timber roof structures, based on a literature review of applied methods and techniques. The applicability of the framework is investigated based on two case studies: the gatehouse of the Abbey of Tongerlo and the former church San Carpoforo. Embedded in the approach of preventive conservation, the general framework is based on the Principles for the Analysis, Conservation and Structural Restoration of Architectural Heritage and it is thus part of a methodological model that entails an iterative process that consists of four phases: anamnesis-diagnosis- therapy-controls. The chapter focuses on the first two steps: anamnesis and diagnosis, which consist of the assessment of the structural behavior, as a basis for deciding on the interventions. In order to fully understand the structural behavior of a timber structure on site, it is important to consider the structure as part of a building within a specific environment.
