Image-based Modelling of Water Transport In Wood including material biodegradation (WaterInWood)


Main funder

Funder's project number349197


Funds granted by main funder (€)

  • 212 338,00


Funding program


Project timetable

Project start date01/09/2022

Project end date31/08/2025


Summary

The use of wood as a construction material is beneficial because of its low carbon footprint compared to other materials such a concrete and steel. However, the risks of mechanical and biological deterioration due to the moisture effects often discourage the use of wood in the construction field. In this context, numerical models able to accurately simulate the water transport and initiation of (fungal) decay in wood components are important for a better understanding of the wood behaviour under variable climates.

The main aim of the WaterInWood project is to develop a comprehensive multi-phase model for transient moisture transport in wood under variable climates based on measurements carried out with advanced image-based methods. The modelling framework will include multi-phase differential equations for transient hygro-thermal transport in wood and the differential problem will be assessed and solved by using the finite element method. The new model will be calibrated and validated for softwood, thermally treated wood, and acetylated wood.

Image analysis methods will be used to accurately measure the concentration of bound water and free water in wood at multiple length scales down to the individual cell wall level. We will apply both nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging, and X-ray tomography to see the influence of different wood microstructures on the water transport and initiation of decay. The proposed approach is hypothesized to accurately predict all moisture states below and above the fibre saturation point (FSP) of wood under variable relative humidity changes, and in the presence of rain or other water contact.

The new model will give an important contribution to the field of research and development of wood construction. This will allow to design, in the long term, safer and more durable wood products under variable climates. The modelling and imaging methods developed in the project are applicable and relevant to other structural biomaterials that have similar problems with moisture-induced degradation, in particular considering the effects of the climate change.

The project includes collaboration with high-level national and international research groups on topics such as multi-phase modelling, experimental research on moisture transport in wood products and timber structures, and advanced NMR and CT techniques for studying wood and modified wood.


Principal Investigator


Primary responsible unit


Last updated on 2022-16-08 at 02:34