Preliminary investigation on ancient timber structures through microscopic analysis

The aim of the study is to identify the wood utilized in the traditional houses built in Uva province of Sri Lanka, constructed using traditional construction technologies. The timber samples were taken out from roof elements such as rafters, wall plates and reapers from three different timber structures located at three different locations constructed during 1960 - 1970 using vernacular timber preservation technics and preservatives. Samples were extracted and adequately prepared for a microscopic investigation to observe the characteristic microscopic anatomical features. Sledge microtome was used for wood sectioning and photomicrographs were obtained by polarized light microscope. The authentic samples and reference microscopic identification keys were employed in order to conclude on the wood species involved. The relative density of the samples was also measured using the maximum moisture content method to verify the identification. Timber samples were identified using vessels, fibers, rays, parenchyma, and other microscopic features. Based on the macro and micro examination of the external and microanatomical features the timber used for rafters, reapers, wall plates were identified as Mango wood which is scientifically known as Mangifera indica. The relative density values were in the range of 0.52 - 0.7.