Modeling Moisture Accumulation and Decay Potential in Cross-Laminated Timber Wall Assemblies Exposed During the Construction Phase
This study examines decay risks in cross-laminated timber (CLT) wall assemblies with built-in moisture, aiming to develop a simulation-based methodology to assess moisture dynamics during the construction phase. Differing from previous research, this study focuses on the central regions of CLT wall...
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| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1075 |
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| author | Anke Blommaert Marijke Steeman Nathan Van Den Bossche |
| author_facet | Anke Blommaert Marijke Steeman Nathan Van Den Bossche |
| author_sort | Anke Blommaert |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study examines decay risks in cross-laminated timber (CLT) wall assemblies with built-in moisture, aiming to develop a simulation-based methodology to assess moisture dynamics during the construction phase. Differing from previous research, this study focuses on the central regions of CLT wall panels. Moisture distribution within the panel, especially in the exposed layer, is critical for understanding potential degradation. A series of simulations were conducted to determine the necessary level of detail for moisture profiling, comparing approaches that use a single average value, layer-specific averages, and a refined profile that distinguishes the outer 5 mm from the remaining material. The influence of factors such as wood type, glue type, delivery moisture content, orientation, and rain exposure was systematically evaluated to define realistic moisture profiles at the end of the construction phase. Subsequent degradation assessments incorporated these profiles along with variations in insulation materials to evaluate the time of wetness, dose accumulation, and heat flux increases. Results indicate that a detailed moisture profile is essential for accurately predicting decay risk and that trade-offs exist between moisture management and thermal performance depending on the insulation used. These findings provide a framework for predicting decay risks in CLT assemblies and offer insights for designing more durable and energy-efficient structures. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-024bef71f1e540b7ad7907d160946c23 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj-art-024bef71f1e540b7ad7907d160946c232025-08-20T03:06:29ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-03-01157107510.3390/buildings15071075Modeling Moisture Accumulation and Decay Potential in Cross-Laminated Timber Wall Assemblies Exposed During the Construction PhaseAnke Blommaert0Marijke Steeman1Nathan Van Den Bossche2Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, 9000 Ghent, BelgiumFaculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, 9000 Ghent, BelgiumFaculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, 9000 Ghent, BelgiumThis study examines decay risks in cross-laminated timber (CLT) wall assemblies with built-in moisture, aiming to develop a simulation-based methodology to assess moisture dynamics during the construction phase. Differing from previous research, this study focuses on the central regions of CLT wall panels. Moisture distribution within the panel, especially in the exposed layer, is critical for understanding potential degradation. A series of simulations were conducted to determine the necessary level of detail for moisture profiling, comparing approaches that use a single average value, layer-specific averages, and a refined profile that distinguishes the outer 5 mm from the remaining material. The influence of factors such as wood type, glue type, delivery moisture content, orientation, and rain exposure was systematically evaluated to define realistic moisture profiles at the end of the construction phase. Subsequent degradation assessments incorporated these profiles along with variations in insulation materials to evaluate the time of wetness, dose accumulation, and heat flux increases. Results indicate that a detailed moisture profile is essential for accurately predicting decay risk and that trade-offs exist between moisture management and thermal performance depending on the insulation used. These findings provide a framework for predicting decay risks in CLT assemblies and offer insights for designing more durable and energy-efficient structures.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1075CLThygrothermalmoistureconstruction phasebuilt-in moisturedecay |
| spellingShingle | Anke Blommaert Marijke Steeman Nathan Van Den Bossche Modeling Moisture Accumulation and Decay Potential in Cross-Laminated Timber Wall Assemblies Exposed During the Construction Phase Buildings CLT hygrothermal moisture construction phase built-in moisture decay |
| title | Modeling Moisture Accumulation and Decay Potential in Cross-Laminated Timber Wall Assemblies Exposed During the Construction Phase |
| title_full | Modeling Moisture Accumulation and Decay Potential in Cross-Laminated Timber Wall Assemblies Exposed During the Construction Phase |
| title_fullStr | Modeling Moisture Accumulation and Decay Potential in Cross-Laminated Timber Wall Assemblies Exposed During the Construction Phase |
| title_full_unstemmed | Modeling Moisture Accumulation and Decay Potential in Cross-Laminated Timber Wall Assemblies Exposed During the Construction Phase |
| title_short | Modeling Moisture Accumulation and Decay Potential in Cross-Laminated Timber Wall Assemblies Exposed During the Construction Phase |
| title_sort | modeling moisture accumulation and decay potential in cross laminated timber wall assemblies exposed during the construction phase |
| topic | CLT hygrothermal moisture construction phase built-in moisture decay |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1075 |
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