Published: 2005

Publication Name: Holzforschung

Publication URL: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/249925100_Comments_on_the_experimental_methodology_for_determination_of_the_hygro-mechanical_properties_of_wood

Abstract:

When wood is subjected simultaneously to load and moisture content changes below the fiber saturation point, the mechano-sorptive effect may be observed as an additional deformation that cannot be attributed to simple superposition of elastic deformation, free shrinkage or swelling, or creep in steady climate conditions. The phenomenon has been subject to research for more than half a century. Although numerous mathematical models and detailed theoretical descriptions have been proposed over time, the basic mechanism of mechanosorption has remained unclear, the experimental data are scattered and lack logical classification, and the experimental determination of its basic parameters on a material level, understood as a local property decoupled from artifacts of the testing protocol, remains a serious challenge. In this paper basic requirements for adequate experimental methods for comprehensive determination of the mechano-sorptive behavior of wood are proposed and briefly discussed. The principal requirements are that the experimental research on mechano-sorption is focused on the material level properties and elementary loading modes (tension and compression); that proper attention is paid to the effect of changing distribution of moisture content within the tested volume; and that the tests are designed so that a comprehensive separation of strain components is enhanced.