WISIS : structural wood inspection device

Industrial and field analysis equipment Software and digital applications Natural resources and territories
WISIS is a non-destructive inspection device for structural wood elements, including poles and standing trees. Portable, it is used by infrastructure maintenance services and wood structure providers as part of maintenance contracts. It helps predict risks of damage to users, enabling preventive action.
WISIS®, dispositif de contrôle des structures en bois.

Non-destructive testing device to assess the mechanical condition of solid wood elements used in service in a structure © Loïc Brancheriau, CIRAD

A tool for detecting non-visible deterioration in structural wood

Wood is widely used in construction applications. Excessive loads, fungi or insects can degrade wood elements in service. The WISIS system enables the condition of structural wood to be assessed using a non-destructive method, in order to detect potential deterioration and anticipate repairs of damaged components.

As some forms of deterioration are internal and therefore not visible to the naked eye, WISIS relies on changes in the propagation of elastic waves when wood degradation is present.

Stage development

TLR9 - Technology Readiness Level

TLR9 - Technology Readiness Level

Key advantages of WISIS

The WISIS inspection device is a field tool that :

  • is portable and compact;
  • delivers fast and reliable results;
  • features a simplified graphical interface for ease of use;
  • includes a fast acquisition board powered directly via the computer’s USB port;
  • provides automatic parameter settings for the acquisition system;
  • is available in French and English;
  • offers potential for the development of customised applications.

A valuable tool for maintenance and safety inspection services

WISIS is a high-performance inspection tool tailored to the needs of infrastructure maintenance services and organisations responsible for safety and compliance of structures and installations. Its use helps reduce the risk of damage related to the deterioration of wooden components. It also contributes to effective implementation of HACCP procedures in organisations using wood.

How to equip yourself with WISIS ?

The current WISIS device, combined with our expertise, enables the development of tailor-made applications adapted to your needs.

Training modules are available on request, and our team of experts can provide maintenance services or train your staff in operating the system.

Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your context and requirements, so that our experts can support you in deploying and integrating the solution.

The research team
The Wood team of the BioWooEB Research Unit specialises in tropical and Mediterranean timber. It supports stakeholders in the wood sector, in France and in producing countries, including forest operators and land managers, primary and secondary processing companies (craft units, SMEs, industrial groups), project owners, project managers, architects, inspection bodies and consulting firms.

References and intellectual property

Publications

Barré J.B., Bourrier F., Brancheriau L., Bertrand D., Rey F. (2018) "Effects of fungal decay on elasticity and damping of small-diameter silver fir logs assessed by the vibrational resonant method", Wood Science and Technology, 52(2):403-420.

See also