MOISTURE CONTENT AND RELIABILITY-BASED DESIGN FOR WOOD MEMBERS

The effect of moisture content on the reliability of structural wood members is examined, and possible code provisions to account for such effects are presented. Specifically, the effect of assuming one moisture content for design and using the member at a different moisture content is considered. This is of particular interest since one set of design values for a single moisture content classification are likely to be available to the designer. Data from the in-grade test program are used to investigate the effects of different types of uncertainty. This study suggests whether empirical modifications to strength values such as those in current design specifications for wood construction are appropriate for use in a limit-states design format, or whether new adjustment factors based on probabilistic analyses are warranted. The implications for codified design are presented in the context of the ongoing development of load- and resistance-factor design specification for wood construction.