State-of-the-Art Review of Moisture Content Sensor Deployment in Mass Timber Construction

Mass timber is gaining popularity in the North American architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry as a viable and sustainable building material. Owing to the water storage potential of mass timber, durability is of concern as a result of long-term exposure to moisture during building construction and service. The importance of monitoring mass timber subjected to moisture degradation during construction and occupancy of a building is critical in determining the longevity and viability of mass timber products. In situ moisture monitoring deployment techniques are currently inconsistent across building case studies. The objective of this review is to investigate: (1) relevant types of moisture content (MC) sensors and their applications in mass timber construction; and (2) practices for deploying MC sensors in mass timber construction. Cross-laminated timber (CLT), nail-laminated timber (NLT), and glue-laminated timber (Glulam) are typical mass timber products, each of which varies in thickness, manufacturing processes, and species composition. In addition, MC sensors have a range of applications, installations, and accuracies. The variability of mass timber products and MC sensors lead to multiple combinations of moisture monitoring techniques. Mass timber moisture monitoring installation and deployment practices have been recommended based on the literature review and case study analysis performed.