Moisture Mapping is a non-destructive testing method used to determine the moisture content (MC) of wood. It involves employing specialized equipment to measure the electrical resistance or capacitance of wood, which is then interpreted to derive the MC value.
The MC of wood is the weight of water contained within the wood expressed as a percentage of its oven-dry weight. Wood MC is crucial as it affects the wood’s properties, such as strength, stability, and durability.
Wood can contain over 100% MC when the weight of the water it contains exceeds its oven-dry weight. This condition is known as “above-fiber saturation point” (AFSP), when the wood is fully saturated with water and begins to absorb additional water into its cell cavities.
High MC can compromise the integrity of wood, leading to:
Understanding the MC of wood is essential for ensuring its proper use and maintenance. Moisture Mapping provides a valuable tool to assess MC accurately, allowing users to make informed decisions regarding wood selection and treatment.