Estimating the service life of timber structures concerning risk and influence of fungal decay—A review of existing theory and modelling approaches
(2021) In Forests 12(5).- Abstract
Wood is a renewable resource and a promising construction material for the growing bio-based economy. Efficiently utilising wood in the built environment requires a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics regarding its usability. Durability is an essential property to consider, as various types of exposure create conditions for the deterioration of wood through biotic and abiotic agents. Biodegradable materials introduce increased complexity to construction and design processes, as material decomposition during a structure’s lifetime presents a physical risk to human health and safety and costs related to repairs and maintenance. Construction professionals are thus tasked with utilising wooden elements to accentuate the material’s... (More)
Wood is a renewable resource and a promising construction material for the growing bio-based economy. Efficiently utilising wood in the built environment requires a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics regarding its usability. Durability is an essential property to consider, as various types of exposure create conditions for the deterioration of wood through biotic and abiotic agents. Biodegradable materials introduce increased complexity to construction and design processes, as material decomposition during a structure’s lifetime presents a physical risk to human health and safety and costs related to repairs and maintenance. Construction professionals are thus tasked with utilising wooden elements to accentuate the material’s beneficial properties while reducing the risk of in-service decomposition. In this paper, only the cause and effect of fungal induced decay on the service life of wooden buildings and other wood-based construction assets are reviewed. The service life of wood components can thus be extended if suitable growing conditions are controlled. Multiple existing modelling approaches are described throughout the text, with special attention given to the two most comprehensive ones; TimberLife and the WoodExter. In choosing an appropriate model for a specific application, the authors recommend evaluating the model’s regional specificity, complexity, practicality, longevity and adaptability.
(Less)
- author
- van Niekerk, Philip Bester ; Brischke, Christian and Niklewski, Jonas LU
- organization
- publishing date
- 2021-05
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- Decay, Fungi, Modelling, Service life planning, Wood
- in
- Forests
- volume
- 12
- issue
- 5
- article number
- 588
- publisher
- MDPI AG
- external identifiers
-
- scopus:85106679850
- ISSN
- 1999-4907
- DOI
- 10.3390/f12050588
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- 0d3c0ea8-78fd-4c60-aa21-03c08b4b593c
- date added to LUP
- 2021-06-09 10:49:50
- date last changed
- 2022-04-27 02:20:01
@article{0d3c0ea8-78fd-4c60-aa21-03c08b4b593c,
abstract = {{<p>Wood is a renewable resource and a promising construction material for the growing bio-based economy. Efficiently utilising wood in the built environment requires a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics regarding its usability. Durability is an essential property to consider, as various types of exposure create conditions for the deterioration of wood through biotic and abiotic agents. Biodegradable materials introduce increased complexity to construction and design processes, as material decomposition during a structure’s lifetime presents a physical risk to human health and safety and costs related to repairs and maintenance. Construction professionals are thus tasked with utilising wooden elements to accentuate the material’s beneficial properties while reducing the risk of in-service decomposition. In this paper, only the cause and effect of fungal induced decay on the service life of wooden buildings and other wood-based construction assets are reviewed. The service life of wood components can thus be extended if suitable growing conditions are controlled. Multiple existing modelling approaches are described throughout the text, with special attention given to the two most comprehensive ones; TimberLife and the WoodExter. In choosing an appropriate model for a specific application, the authors recommend evaluating the model’s regional specificity, complexity, practicality, longevity and adaptability.</p>}},
author = {{van Niekerk, Philip Bester and Brischke, Christian and Niklewski, Jonas}},
issn = {{1999-4907}},
keywords = {{Decay; Fungi; Modelling; Service life planning; Wood}},
language = {{eng}},
number = {{5}},
publisher = {{MDPI AG}},
series = {{Forests}},
title = {{Estimating the service life of timber structures concerning risk and influence of fungal decay—A review of existing theory and modelling approaches}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f12050588}},
doi = {{10.3390/f12050588}},
volume = {{12}},
year = {{2021}},
}