Pester, Jonas

Diploma Thesis:
2085

Topic:
Analysis of wood species and biological damage mechanisms

Editor:
Jonas Pester

University Professor Responsible:
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Jens Otto

Supervisor:
University Supervisor: M.Sc. Ranya Abdul Khalek

Editing Period:
25.03.2026 until 29.07.2026

Abstract: 
This thesis examines the technical, biological and legal requirements for the reuse of load-bearing solid timber components from the existing building stock. The key problem in the construction sector is that the reuse of historic timber fails due to a lack of information regarding material properties, contaminant levels and undetected damage. Following a wood-biological characterisation of the relevant tree species, the quantitative potential for reclaimed timber in the German housing stock built between 1949 and 1979 is determined, and the historical development of the DIN 1052 and TGL standards is reviewed. The focus is on the analysis of biological damage mechanisms caused by insects and fungi, as well as their destructive impact on the net cross-section. Taking into account the Reclaimed Timber Ordinance and WTA-compliant decontamination procedures, the results lead to a dynamic categorisation model. This tool enables load-bearing members to be classified into process-oriented potential groups for practical application on the basis of minimally invasive drill resistance measurements. The thesis concludes with a critical reflection on the economic unviability of the post-war building stock and an outlook on contaminant-free, glue-free solid timber construction systems.