Water transfer in wood in relation to fungal attack in building - Effect of condensation and diffusion

IRG/WP 92-1543

D Dirol, J-M Vergnaud

Wood is continuously exchanging moisture with the surrounding atmosphere, the temperature and relative humidity are important factors. Wood moisture in this case is not enough to provoque decay by fungi. However, when, during the night, condensation appears cyclically, wood absorbs water and moisture content may be sufficiently high to allow development if drying does not take place. The water transfer process in wood in the case of condensation on the surface and diffusion into the wood was studied by experimentation and theorically. A numeric model was elaborated, taking into account all the experimentation factors. It can describe water absorption and calculate profiles of water concentration inside massiv wood. Interesting results were obtained in particular, condensation can bring a moisture content of about 45% into wood. It is obvious that this phenomenon can happen during the night in winter. Wood is humidified and the drying period is too short before the following condensation. In such a case, the risk of fungal attack is very high.


Keywords: CONDENSATION; DECAY; DIFFUSION; PICEA; PINUS; WATER TRANSPORT

Conference: 92-05-10/15 Harrogate, England, UK


Download document (464 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document