Modelling durability of wooden structures

A model of wood decay has been developed that can be incorporated into a hygrothermal model of building physics. This enables the assessment of the effects of the various exposure conditions on the durability and service life of wood. It can also be used for the evaluation of structural choices (e.g., protection from driving rain, coatings, etc.) and other affecting parameters (e.g., geographical location and orientation) on the durability of wooden structures. Here, the wood decay model is used in conjunction with the climatic database ERA-40, which is based on weather observations in Europe. These studies provide new tools to evaluate the durability and service life of wooden parts, and a preliminary European map of wood decay vulnerability is produced. The effects of the projected climate change on wood decay may also be considered by this methodology