"TECNALIA develops solutions that guarantee the preservation of the structural and aesthetic integrity of buildings, ensuring their adaptation to today’s requirements without compromising their original essence"
TECNALIA is a benchmark in the diagnosis of termites in urban areas in accordance with UNE 56418
One of the main services of TECNALIA’s Wood Engineering Team, led by Josu de Benito, focuses on the preparation of termite infestation maps in urban areas. Years of experience offering this service, along with the inspection of wooden structures for numerous councils, have enabled TECNALIA to consolidate its position as a benchmark independent laboratory in this field.
Protocol of action in urban areas affected by termites
Thanks to its extensive experience in the inspection of wooden structures and its active participation in different standardisation committees, the TECNALIA team was part of the technical group responsible for developing UNE 56418, "Protocol of action in urban areas affected by subterranean termite attacks". This standard sets out the procedures and methodologies to draw up plans for the detection and treatment of subterranean termite infestations in urban areas.
UNE 56418 stands out for its comprehensive approach, which is structured into four phases:
- Activation.
- Diagnosis.
- Treatment.
- Maintenance.
Diagnosis and inspection of buildings
As a differential service, TECNALIA specialises in the diagnosis phase, which consists of a detailed inspection of buildings within the established area of action and the preparation of the necessary documentation to assess the level of infestation. This documentation includes a map of the area of action, which identifies the buildings affected by termite attacks along with other relevant data. This plan is the key document that summarises all the information compiled and it is also the name of the service: "Termite Map".
The documentation compiled is essential for councils, as it is used as part of public tenders for the treatment of urban areas. It also serves as a base for treatment companies to submit their bids in Phase 3 of the standard (treatment).
In this specific case, the usual global procedure in Phase 2 of the standard will be presented, taking a real case in the municipality of Areatza, Bizkaia, as a reference. In line with the established protocols, comprehensive visual inspections were carried out, using non-destructive technologies such as moisture detectors and acoustic sensors and samples were collected for laboratory analysis.
This experience reinforces TECNALIA's commitment to protecting built heritage and sustainability in the construction sector. TECNALIA plays a key role in the conservation and protection of built heritage, combining technological innovation with in-depth knowledge of the cultural and architectural value of historic buildings. Through advanced methods of diagnosis, monitoring and rehabilitation.
