This calculator computes the moisture content of wood, using the oven-dry method. A calculator for the equilibrium moisture content is also included. Units are in the imperial system.
Calculations
There are two ways to calculate the moisture content of wood:
1) Simple Moisture Content
While directly measuring the water mass in a piece of wood is nearly impossible, it can be determined by calculating the weight difference between the wood's wet state and its bone-dry state. This method of calculating moisture content is known as the oven-dry method.
Inputs
m_wet
:100lb
m_dry
:75lb
Output
MC
:0.3333333333333333
The equation for moisture content, as a percentage, is given by:
MC(%)=mdrymwet−mdry×100
Where:
mwet
is the wet weight of the wood, in pounds
(lb)
mdry
is the oven-dried (or bone-dried) weight of the wood, in pounds
(lb)
2) Equilibrium Moisture Content
The moisture content of wood specimens can also be estimated based on the temperature and relative humidity of the environment, reaching a point called the Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) after enough time.
Inputs
T
:70degF
h
:0.15
Outputs
W
:382
K
:0.82
K1
:5.9361
K2
:2.63504
EMC
:0.0354163041304521
The equation for equivalent moisture content, as a percentage, is given by:
For most practical uses this formula can be applied to any species.
Explanation
Moisture content significantly affects the properties of wood in several ways:
Wood expands and contracts with changes in moisture content. Higher moisture levels cause wood to swell, while lower levels lead to shrinkage.
Increased moisture generally reduces the strength and stiffness of wood, making it less suitable for structural applications. Dry wood tends to be stronger and stiffer compared to wet wood.
The weight of wood increases with higher moisture content. This is particularly important in applications where weight is a critical factor, such as during construction.