SUPERVISOR: Wolfgang GINDL-ALTMUTTER

PROJECT ASSIGNED TO: Alexandro SALIASI

Over millions of years, nature created wood with the ability to function under high and low humidity levels. We harvest trees, dry the wood, and mostly utilize it in this manner. However, also in the built environment, wood is in constant exchange of moisture with the environment.  The adsorption of water molecules into the polymeric wood structure has a major influence on dimensions, mechanical, and thermal properties. Oriented Strand Boards (OSB) consist of three cross oriented layers of wood particles compressed in a thermal press and bonded with an adhesive. The complex architecture of OSB governs its mechanics and ability to adsorb humidity and take up liquid water, e.g in the event of undesired exposure to moisture during construction or use.  Therefore, this dissertation will address moisture transport and moisture uptake in engineered wood products, especially OSB and assess its impact on their short and long-term performance.