Wood moisture of rural timber constructions

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present the methodology of measurement of moisture content of wood and show some results of this measurement in application on constructions of agricultural buildings. Wood moisture can affect the durability of buildings. Measurements are in two different animal houses, which varied in design and implementation of the construction material (steel-wood and steel with wooden rafters). Both these buildings are relatively new (built in 2001 and 2009). There was measured also an older shed attached to the barn, which has a storage and protective function. All these buildings are from spruce wood. The measurement was based on the use of resistive sensor and capacitive sensor. Also determined was the temperature and humidity of the air. From the results of measurements of tested buildings it is obvious that the moisture of the wood is in direct proportion with the relative humidity of the air. There are different results measured by capacitive and resistive sensors. The suitability of the sensors for determination of wood moisture was verified by gravimetric method, that is direct method and the results are very accurate. In the case of coniferous wood (especially spruce wood), there can be used with sufficient accuracy a capacitive sensor, which was used in all examined buildings