Moisture ingress and movement pattern in Australian CLT panels – a pilot study

Abstract

Australian Radiata Pine Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels were subjected to different methods aiming to increase the overall moisture content (MC). These methods were chosen to simulate scenarios of free water contact and high humidity, which are common in subtropical climates like Australia. To mimic free water exposure, CLT samples were submersed in water, while environmental chambers were used to simulate high humidity events over different duration. Specific moisture targets were set at 20% MC for high humidity and 30% MC for free water. After achieving the desired moisture levels, the distribution of moisture through CLT panels was assessed for each method. A grid system was developed to map moisture pockets within the panels and identify pathways for moisture ingress. The findings indicate that CLT panels are unlikely to reach moisture contents above 20% MC when exposed to high humidity. However, exposure to free water resulted in a rapid increase in moisture content well above 30% MC. This suggests that heavy rain and flash flooding events, and plumbing leaks pose significant concern for CLT, warranting further investigation.