New research paper on mass timber structure, published by SMT and Oregon State University (OSU)

SMT and one of our long-term research affiliate, Oregon State University (OSU), have just published a paper on Moisture Monitoring Data of Mass Timber Elements During Prolonged Construction Exposure: The Case of the Forest Science Complex (Peavy Hall) at Oregon State University.

This publication focuses on moisture monitoring of mass timber elements during construction. We used OSU's very own Peavy Hall Forest Science Complex for the case study. With the rise in mass timber structures, building performance monitoring is becoming extremely important.

Abstract:

"The data describe hygrothermal response of mass timber elements during construction of the new Forest Science Complex at Oregon State University (Corvallis, Oregon). Monitored locations included 1) a cross-laminated timber (CLT) rocking shear wall, and 2) a CLT floor panel and the supporting glued-laminated timber (glulam) beam. Sensors were installed shortly after the erection of the monitored elements and data were collected from December 2017 to November 2018. This is a unique set of data, since it illustrates moisture behavior of engineered wood products which, according to the relevant standards, should be used in dry service conditions but were in this case exposed to prolonged exterior conditions during construction. Though the duration of exposure to cycling wetting and drying is not representative of typical construction schedules, these data provide valuable insight on the moisture behavior of this type of massive timber products during unprotected and exceptionally prolonged construction. The data also contribute to hygrothermal monitoring methods of timber buildings." (Riggio, Schmidt & Mustapha, 2019)

Read the full paper here.