Field Evaluation of Treated Lumber by Use of X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Treated lumber is used throughout the world to stave off the effects of rot and decay. Various treatment chemicals and treatment methods are utilized to provide the required level of protection against degradation for lumber in various environments, from interior products requiring minimal protection, to exterior products requiring protection from continual exposure to the local weather over the lifetime of the products. This presentation will address the use of a handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) unit during field inspections to confirm/deny the presence of certain treatment chemicals by elemental analysis. Attempts at quantitative analysis and its limitations will be examined. Benefits and limitations of the technique are covered along with typical alternative verification methods.