Study in the changes of the moisture content in wood

Abstract The presence of water in wooden elements is an important factor in the understanding of the evolution of this material used for a structure. This happens because wood has the ability to change its volume due to climate variations; it can shrink or it can double its size depending on the season. This can influence the mechanical properties of the wooden piece and introduce in the structure deformations and changes in sectional efforts that can be very dangerous. For this study, environmental conditions have been tampered with so that wood that has moisture content of 12% will intake or output water, in order to arrive at a moisture content of 8% respectively 16%. In this way, the moisture content of untreated Spruce ( Picea abies ) and Chestnut ( Castanea Sativa ) has been modified in a climatic chamber at certain conditions of temperature and relative humidity. The wooden pieces have been verified for their moisture content in an oven with a temperature of 105°C after a complete dry. The purpose of the study is to follow the behaviour of wooden pieces when found in other environments.