Moisture response of CLT floor assemblies under indoor water leakage: Experimental and simulation-based assessment

As mass timber gains widespread use in sustainable construction, the long-term moisture performance of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) under damp service conditions remains a critical durability concern. This study investigates the moisture response of CLT floor assemblies under indoor water leakage through controlled laboratory testing and numerical simulations using WUFI 1D and 2D. Six assembly configurations were evaluated, including variations in surface exposure, joint conditions, and end-grain vulnerability. Results revealed that end-grain surfaces are highly susceptible to deep moisture ingress and prolonged retention, while inadequate joint sealing facilitates moisture infiltration through panel interfaces. Assemblies with cracked concrete toppings and no moisture barrier underneath showed deep moisture intrusion. Numerical simulations showed some similarity to the experimental drying trends, but significant deviations were observed; in particular, the 2D simulations exhibited even greater divergence due to multidirectional moisture transport and material property inputs required in two dimensions. This research highlights the importance of interface detailing, protective measures, and simulation-based assessment in enhancing the moisture durability of CLT assemblies in building’s service life.

Author dc:creator

• Tariku, Bisrat H.

Advisor dc:contributor.supervisor

• Mukhopadhyaya, Phalguni

• Cross-laminated timber
• Indoor water leakage
• CLT floor assembly
• Numerical simulation
• Moisture movement

Statement dc:rights

• Available to the World Wide Web

Language dc:language.iso

en, English

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1828/22820

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.library.uvic.ca:1828/22820