Internal stresses in the cross-grain direction in glulam induced by climate variations

Abstract

Results are presented from an experimental investigation to determine internal stress states perpendicular to grain in glulam induced by moisture variations. The stresses are determined by measuring the released strains before and after cutting. Stress distributions are determined for specimens seasoned in constant humidity, specimens exposed to an artificial single climate change, specimens exposed to cyclic climate change and for specimens exposed to natural climate outdoors under shelter. Results for seasoned specimens show that internal stresses exist in glulam without the presence of moisture gradients. Stresses in specimens with an induced moisture gradient become larger when moistening from a specific climate A to another climate B than when drying from B to A. Tests in an outdoor sheltered climate show large variations in strains and stresses. The tensile stress level in the inner part of the glulam cross section exceeds the characteristic strength of 0.5 MPa during a period of approximately 80 days.