Date of Graduation

12-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Civil Engineering

Advisor/Mentor

Murray, Cameron D.

Committee Member

Messadi, Tahar

Second Committee Member

Zelinka, Samuel

Keywords

Concrete Alternative; Cross Laminated Timber; Durability; Engineered Timber; Mass Timber Construction; Moisture Impact; Performance; Renewable Alternative

Abstract

Understanding of moisture behavior in cross laminated timber (CLT) is critical to the widespread use of CLT in construction in the United States. Currently, very little data exists on the long-term impact of moisture on CLT. The objective of this research is to collect data regarding the long-term moisture variation in the CLT panel at the University of Arkansas Adohi Hall residence hall. The climate of Northwest Arkansas is different from previously monitored buildings, as they were in the Pacific Northwest. Comparatively, Northwest Arkansas has a warmer climate with higher average annual precipitation. Waterproofing efforts are usually employed to prevent the intrusion of moisture into wood products, regardless of their application. These efforts are seen in roofing materials and insulation, among others. In the case of Adohi Hall, several layers of waterproofing membranes and insulation protect the CLT panel roof from exterior moisture intrusions. Moisture sensors were installed in 45 locations throughout the building to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the building. Locations were selected to represent different base conditions such as building envelope, communal bathrooms, interior locations, and trash rooms. Results indicate that on interior floors of the building, i.e., not the roof, CLT panels have not encountered moisture intrusions. At the roof level, moisture intrusions during construction were trapped in the CLT panels by waterproofing. This trapped moisture resulted in slow (approximately one year) drying to below acceptable levels of moisture.

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