A Nondestructive Indirect Approach to Long-Term Wood Moisture Monitoring Based on Electrical Methods

Wood has a long tradition of use as a building material due its properties and availability. However, it is very sensitive to moisture. Wood components of building structures basically require a certain level of moisture protection, and thus moisture monitoring to ensure the serviceability of such components during their whole lifespan while integrated within buildings is relevant to this area. The aim of this study is to investigate two moisture monitoring techniques promoting moisture safety in wood-based buildings (i.e., new structures, as well as renovated and protected buildings). The study is focused on the comparison of two electrical methods that can be employed for the nondestructive moisture monitoring of wood components integrated in the structures of buildings. The main principle of the two presented methods of the moisture measurement by electric resistance is based on a simple resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit system improved with ICM7555 chip and integrator circuit using TLC71 amplifier. The RC-circuit is easier to implement thanks to the digital signals of the used chip, whilst the newly presented integration method allows faster measurement at lower moisture contents. A comparative experimental campaign utilizing spruce wood samples is conducted in this relation. Based on the results obtained, both methods can be successfully applied to wood components in buildings for moisture contents above 8%.