Experiments for the Verification of the Predictability of Structural Fire Resistance of Heavy Hardwood(zelkova) Columns

Development of dynamic moisture content measurement system for wooden members exposed to fire heating

“…For instance, a case in which the moisture content before heating was 30.4% for Zelkova serrata has been reported. 8 Accordingly, in this study, errors might increase even before heating, because at 30% moisture content, the error obtained with the proposed sensors was 8.9%. Namely, the changes in moisture content can be monitored relatively; however, the measurement values may include large errors when the moisture content before heating is high.…”

“…In case of Zelkova serrata, it is reported that the moisture content of large sectional members in the traditional architecture might remain high, because of difficulty in drying. 8…”

“…Figures [8][9][10][11] shows the errors of the calibration curves. The errors were calculated by subtracting the moisture content obtained using the bone-dry densities from the moisture content obtained by the calibration curve.…”

“…In contrast, in the present study, calibration curves are obtained for 4 tree species: Cryptomeria japonica; Larix leptolepis; Pseudotsuga menziesii, as popular soft wood for structural members; and Zelkova serrata, as hard wood used for traditional architecture. In case of Zelkova serrata, it is reported that the moisture content of large sectional members in the traditional architecture might remain high, because of difficulty in drying 8 …”

“…4 Furthermore, it has been reported that the water transfer and phase change in wood affect the behaviors of heat transfer and thermal decomposition 6,7 and the charring rate of wooden members decreases at a high moisture content. 1,2,8 When wood is used as an interior material, it may have a considerable impact on fire safety in terms of ignition and combustion properties.…”