Field Monitoring and Modeling of the Hygrothermal Performance of a Cross-Laminated Timber and Wood Fiber-Insulated Building Located in a Cold Climate

Liam O’Brien, Ling Li (), Benjamin Herzog, Jacob Snow and Wilhelm A. Friess
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Liam O’Brien: Graduate School, University of Maine, 5755 Nutting Hall, Orono, ME 04469, USA
Ling Li: School of Forest Resources, University of Maine, 5755 Nutting Hall, Orono, ME 04469, USA
Benjamin Herzog: Advanced Structures and Composites Center, University of Maine, 35 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME 04469, USA
Jacob Snow: Advanced Structures and Composites Center, University of Maine, 35 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME 04469, USA
Wilhelm A. Friess: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maine, 75 Long Road, Orono, ME 04469, USA

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-26

Abstract: The increased complexity of buildings has led to rigorous performance demands from materials and building envelopes. As markets for low-carbon, renewable construction materials grow, cross-laminated timber and wood fiber insulation have emerged as promising alternatives to meet these rigorous demands. However, an investigation into the performance and interaction of materials within high-performance systems is necessary to determine the durability risks associated with increased complexity and the introduction of new materials. This is important in order to ensure that these materials can meet the required functions of the building while taking advantage of their environmental benefits. To do so, this case study investigated a building constructed of cross-laminated timber and wood fiber insulation in a cold climate (Zone 6A) (Belfast, ME, USA). During construction, the building was instrumented with temperature, relative humidity, and moisture content monitoring instrumentation through the envelope, i.e., wall and roof assemblies. The conditions within the envelope were monitored for a two-year period and used to calibrate a hygrothermal model, along with measured material properties. The calibrated model was used to conduct a 5-year simulation and mold risk assessment. Findings demonstrated that there was no moisture or mold risk throughout the monitoring period or simulation. This supports the integration of cross-laminated timber and wood fiber insulation in sustainable building practices, particularly in cold climates where moisture management is critical.

Keywords: hygrothermal; wood fiber insulation; cross-laminated timber; building monitoring; sustainable building materials (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:7879-:d:1739848

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