Moisture Effects on Wood Framing Creep Properties

What is an acceptable moisture level in wood framing?

Wood framing in buildings is susceptible to creep properties, which are the time-dependent deformation that occurs under sustained load. These creep properties are influenced by the moisture content of the wood framing.

The moisture content of wood framing is typically expressed as a percentage of the oven-dry weight of the wood. Acceptable moisture levels for wood framing vary depending on the species of wood used, but generally range from 12 to 15 percent. Maintaining moisture levels within this range helps to minimize the risk of creep deformation.

High moisture levels in wood framing can lead to increased creep deformation. This is because moisture causes the wood fibers to swell, which weakens the wood and makes it more susceptible to deformation under load.

Conversely, low moisture levels in wood framing can also lead to increased creep deformation. This is because dry wood is more brittle and less able to withstand the stresses that are imposed on it.

Therefore, it is important to maintain moisture levels in wood framing within an acceptable range in order to minimize the risk of creep deformation.