Simple analytical methods to predict one- and two-dimensional drying stresses and deformations in lumber

This study was conducted to develop analytical models for the prediction of drying stresses and deformations in lumber. Both one- and two-dimensional analytical models were developed with two assumptions: the visco-elastic creep could be neglected, and the diffusion coefficient is constant with moisture changes. The method developed in this study showed that the drying stress of lumber with symmetric moisture profile could be approximately predicted using one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) models. In the case of the 1D model, drying deformations could be determined rather easy and the drying stress can even be predicted by hand calculation. The results of this study might be used for lumber with an asymmetric moisture profile. In order to predict more accurately drying stress and deformation across overall moisture changes, however, this procedure should be incorporated with the other moisture transport models and might be extended to a 3D model.