Effect of Fungal Attack on Maximum Load Capacity of Simulated Wall Assemblies

Authors

  • Neil Melencion
  • J. J. Morrell

Keywords:

Decay, fastener performance, plywood, oriented strandboard, Douglas-fir, Spruce-Hem-Fir, Southern pine, <i>Gloeophyllum trabeum</i>, <i>Trametes versicolor</i>

Abstract

The effects of moisture intrusion and fungal attack on the maximum load capacity of nailed assemblies was investigated using one white- and one brown-rot fungus against four material combinations over a 35-wk period. Wetting significantly reduced the maximum load capacity of all four material combinations, whereas wetting and autoclaving only affected the oriented strandboard (OSB) sheathing/spruce stud assembly. The white-rot fungus (Trametes versicolor) had no significant effect on the maximum load, whereas the brown-rot fungus (Gloeophyllum trabeum) produced significant load reductions on shear connector assemblies with OSB sheathing. Results indicate that moisture remains the dominant initial factor in the performance when water intrudes into wall assemblies.

References

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Published

2009-01-29

Issue

Number 1 / January 2009

Section

Research Contributions

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