Bradley, A., Chang, W-S. orcid.org/0000-0002-2218-001X and Harris, R. (2015) The effect of drying on timber frame connections post flooding. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Construction Materials, 168 (3). pp. 144-157. ISSN 1747-650X
Abstract
Timber structures face a unique risk from flooding. Elevations in moisture content due to prolonged wetting will lead to a reduction in the mechanical properties of the building. Despite recent growth of timber construction in the UK and a known increased risk from flooding, little research has been conducted into its effects on light frame timber construction and the most efficacious drying method. This paper presents the results of experiments to determine the optimum drying conditions for light timber frame construction with oriented strand board sheathing after simulated flooding. A series of specimens were wetted for 5 d to simulate flooding before exposure to different environments. The specimens were load tested and values of ultimate strength, yield strength and stiffness were compared to those of un-wetted control specimens. It was found that the optimum drying condition for recovery of the maximum pre-wetting mechanical properties was an environment of 38°C and 40% relative humidity. Although this is an optimal setting there is still a permanent reduction in the mechanical properties of approximately 40% for strengths and 20% for stiffness. Stiffness is dependent on grain orientation; however, strength was found to be independent of grain orientation, as it is governed by the oriented strand board failure.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © ICE Publishing, all rights reserved. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > School of Architecture (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 22 Dec 2017 09:18 |
Last Modified: | 23 Dec 2017 04:39 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.1680/coma.14.00042 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Thomas Telford |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.1680/coma.14.00042 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:124965 |