The influence of geographical location on moisture distribution in wood cross sections: a numerical simulation study using Austria as an example

Abstract

Wood constantly interacts with the surrounding, locally varying climate, leading to changes in the moisture content. Advanced simulation tools can predict the two-dimensional moisture distributions caused by these changing climate conditions within wood cross sections over time. However, there is a notable absence of systematic simulation results for diverse climatic conditions and various wood cross sections. This study seeks to bridge this gap in research. Here, we present moisture fields in three solid timber and three glued laminated timber cross sections in Austria and show the effect of the location and the altitude on the moisture content distribution. The results reveal decreasing influence of the location on the moisture content development with increasing cross section size, and primarily the altitude affecting the moisture content. In addition, the results are compared with the standard for the design of timber–concrete composite structures (ONR CEN/TS 19103), revealing appropriate values in most of the cases. Only for cross sections with a width of 14 cm and larger, assigned to a specific region, the standard value is assumed underestimated. Furthermore, the distribution of moisture gradients, which are related to the crack depth development, are analyzed for Austria, demonstrating the influence of mountain areas in the moisture gradient development.