The effects of moisture intrusion and fungal attack on the maximum load capacity of nailed assemblies was investigated using one white and one brown rot fungus against 4 material combinations over a 20 week period. Wetting significantly reduced the maximum load capacity of all four material combinations, while wetting and autoclaving only affected the OSB sheathing/spruce stud. The white rot fungus (Trametes versicolor) had no significant effect on the maximum load, while the brown rot fungus (Gloeophyllum trabeum) produced significant load reductions on shear connector assemblies with OSB sheathing. Results indicate that moisture remains the dominant factor in the performance when water intrudes into wall assemblies.

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