Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026
06:56
Author Spotlight: Advancements in X-ray CT Tool Chain for Tree Core Analysis
Published on: September 22, 2023
1.5K
Modeling Indoor Relative Humidity and Wood Moisture Content as a Proxy for Wooden Home Fire Risk
1Department of Safety, Chemistry and Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, Fire Disaster Research Group, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5528 Haugesund, Norway.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 23, 2019
Summary
Winter conflagration risk in wooden homes increases with dry indoor conditions and strong winds. This study models indoor wood moisture content, identifying high-risk periods for proactive fire disaster management.
Area of Science:
- Building science
- Environmental science
- Fire safety engineering
Background:
- Severe wooden home fires are linked to dry indoor climates and high winds.
- Understanding how ambient conditions exacerbate fire risk from dry indoor environments is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model indoor wooden wall panel moisture content based on meteorological data.
- To assess the fire risk associated with dry indoor conditions.
Main Methods:
- Developed a model for indoor moisture content using ambient temperature and relative humidity.
- Incorporated air change rates, indoor moisture sources, and wood sorption.
- Validated the model against indoor relative humidity sensor data in four Norwegian homes.
Main Results:
- Modeled indoor relative humidity (RH) closely matched recorded values (within 3% RH RMSE).
- The model reliably estimated wood panel moisture content.
- Identified specific periods in January 2016 in Haugesund, Norway, with very high conflagration risk.
Conclusions:
- The modeling approach provides reliable data on wood moisture content and associated fire risk.
- A methodology exists to predict increased conflagration risk using weather forecasts.
- This enables proactive emergency responses for improved fire disaster risk management.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Seasoning of Wood
380
Seasoning of wood is a crucial process aimed at reducing and stabilizing the moisture content within the wood to prevent future shrinkage, structural damage, or aesthetic issues once the wood is used in construction. Wood naturally swells when it absorbs moisture and contracts as it dries.
Achieving equilibrium moisture content is the goal of seasoning; this is the point where the wood's moisture content stabilizes to align with the moisture levels of the surrounding environment. Proper...
Achieving equilibrium moisture content is the goal of seasoning; this is the point where the wood's moisture content stabilizes to align with the moisture levels of the surrounding environment. Proper...
380
01:23Measurement of Air Content in Concrete
546
Air content measurement in concrete is critical for ensuring structural integrity and durability of concrete structures, especially in environments prone to severe weather conditions. Accurate air content analysis optimizes concrete's resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and enhances its workability and strength. Several methods are standardized under ASTM guidelines to measure the air content in fresh concrete, each suitable for different concrete types and conditions.
The pressure method,...
The pressure method,...
546
01:28Softwoods and Hardwoods
447
Softwoods and hardwoods, derived from different types of trees, are distinguished by their leaf structures and cellular compositions, each serving unique purposes in construction and manufacturing. Softwoods come from cone-bearing trees with needle-like leaves and are predominantly composed of longitudinal cells called tracheids and a smaller proportion of radial cells known as rays. Due to their cellular structure, softwoods are commonly used in construction for structural frames, sheathing,...
447
01:22Thermal Insulation in Masonry Walls
435
In hot, dry climates, the thermal mass of masonry walls can be beneficial, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, thereby stabilizing indoor temperatures. However, in most other climates, additional insulation is necessary to enhance thermal resistance.
External insulation can be applied using an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), which involves affixing panels of plastic foam to the wall and covering them with a polymeric stucco reinforced with glass fiber mesh....
External insulation can be applied using an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), which involves affixing panels of plastic foam to the wall and covering them with a polymeric stucco reinforced with glass fiber mesh....
435
01:21Wood Products
254
Wood products encompass a broad range of materials crafted from wood strands, veneers, lumber, and even waste wood-like shreds, designed for both structural and nonstructural purposes. Various specialized wood products have been developed to enhance strength, durability, and versatility in building applications.
Glue-laminated wood, often referred to as glulam, combines multiple smaller pieces of dimensional lumber using adhesives to form a single, larger piece. Cross-laminated timber consists...
Glue-laminated wood, often referred to as glulam, combines multiple smaller pieces of dimensional lumber using adhesives to form a single, larger piece. Cross-laminated timber consists...
254
01:10Moisture Content and Bulking of Aggregate
394
The moisture content of aggregates is a crucial factor in construction, particularly in concrete mixing, as it influences the total water required in the mix. Moisture content represents the water coated on the exterior surface of the aggregate existing in a saturated and surface-dry condition. The total water content of a moist aggregate is the sum of its moisture content and water absorption.
When aggregates are exposed to rain or sit in stockpiles, they absorb moisture, which must be...
When aggregates are exposed to rain or sit in stockpiles, they absorb moisture, which must be...
394