Calibration of Electrical Resistance to Moisture Content for Beech Laminated Veneer Lumber BauBuche S and BauBuche Q

Electrical resistance measurements are often employed for the purpose of nondestructive long-term monitoring of wood moisture content (MC) in timber structures. As a structural material for high-performance load-bearing applications in such structures, beech laminated veneer lumber (LVL) enjoys a growing popularity. However, due to the processing of beech LVL affecting physical properties, calibration curves for bulk beech wood cannot be used. In this study, resistance was measured on 160 beech LVL samples equilibrated in four different relative humidity (RH) climates. The results show a difference not only between the beech LVL products BauBuche S and BauBuche Q, but also between measurements at two different depths. For each data set, parameters for calibration models using two and using three model parameters were determined by regression analysis to MC determined by the gravimetric method.

Automated summary

Resistance measurements were used to monitor wood moisture content in beech laminated veneer lumber under different relative humidity conditions. Variations were observed between different products and depths, and calibration parameters for models with two or three parameters were established through regression analysis.