Project

Role of Moisture in the Long-Term Performance of Mass Timber Building Elements

Project Description

Moisture intrusion in mass timber buildings has important implications for both physical performance and risk of biological degradation. This project will build upon previous research to develop a better understanding of moisture ingress pathways, the implications of wetting on building elements and help identify methods for excluding moisture or removing moisture once it has entered a structure.  The results will help architects and engineers identify effective strategies for moisture exclusion and guide erectors on best practices for moisture management. The results will provide direct benefit to the mass timber building community but will also be applicable to other timber structures.

Objectives

Assess effects of wetting regimes on moisture uptake and connector performance of mass timber elements particularly looking into the biological degradation (mould and decay) and its impact on structure;

Monitor moisture level in a mass timber building on the UniSC campus under sub-tropical conditions;

Combine these data with smaller-scale results to develop predictive models and supplemental moisture management recommendations.

Tasks include:

  1. Installation of sensors and monitoring moisture levels in a mass timber building on the UniSC campus
  2. A HDR student to be hired and a work plan prepared
  3. Project to start on assessing the effects of different wetting regimes on moisture uptake and connector performance of mass timber elements
  4. A report on sensor’s data on moisture monitoring levels at UniSc campus
  5. Report on assessing the effects of different wetting regimes on moisture uptake and connector performance
  6. Project to start by assesing the effects of different temperatures and humidities on the biological performance of mass timber elements
  7. A report on sensor’s data on moisture monitoring levels at UniSc campus
  8. A report on the effects of different temperatures and humidities on the biological performance of mass timber elements
  9. Combining these data with smaller-scale results to develop predictive models and prepare a final report on supplemental moisture management

Targeted industry focused outcomes

  • Improved understanding: Develop a comprehensive understanding of moisture ingress pathways in mass timber buildings.
  • Risk reduction: Identify implications of moisture intrusion on physical performance and risk of biological degradation.
  • Effective strategies: Provide architects and engineers with effective strategies for moisture exclusion in building design.

Industry Impact Statement:
This project aims to significantly enhance the resilience and longevity of mass timber buildings by addressing the critical issue of moisture intrusion. By advancing our understanding of moisture ingress pathways and implications, the project will empower industry professionals to adopt proactive measures for moisture exclusion and management.

Measurement of Impact:
Publication on the best practices for moisture management during construction and post-construction will be generated via “wood solution” and presented at mass timber conferences and meetings. Discussions with architects and engineers will be done to gauge the adoption and effectiveness of strategies recommended by the project. A minimum of 5 publications are planned, with at least 3 co-authored with industry. Some of these publications will be cross-disciplinary between Engineering-architecture-and-human behaviour.


Objectives/Deliverables

  • Installation of sensors and monitoring moisture levels in a mass timber building on the UniSC campus;
  • A report on sensor’s data on moisture monitoring levels at UniSc campus;
  • Report on assessing the effects of different wetting regimes on moisture uptake and connector performance;
  • A report on the effects of different temperatures and humidities on the biological performance of mass timber elements
  • Final Report – Project Completion Date

Project Leader/s

Tripti Singh

Project Leader; Chief Investigator

University of the Sunshine Coast


Project Staff

PhD Candidate

PhD Scholarship Opportunity


Project Investigators

Tripti Singh

Project Leader; Chief Investigator

University of the Sunshine Coast

Zidi Yan

Affiliate Investigator

University of the Sunshine Coast

Tom Watts

Affiliate Investigator

Hyne

Patrick Thornton

Partner Investigator

Loggo Pty Ltd

Simon Dorries

Partner Investigator

Responsible wood

Keith Crews

Research Hub Director; Executive Board Member

The University of Queensland

Lily Tandeani

Partner Investigator

Tzannes Associates

Marc Micuta

Affiliate Investigator

Tzannes


Lead Project Partner Organisation


Project Partners