This standard outlines the procedures for determining the moisture content of timber and timber products. It details two primary techniques: the highly accurate oven-drying method for laboratory use and the rapid electrical resistance method for field applications.
The moisture content of timber and timber products- Methods for determination
Quick Reference Values
Oven drying temperature103 ± 2 °C
Weighing balance accuracy0.01 g
Condition for constant massSuccessive weighings do not differ by more than 0.02 g
Standard specimen size for oven method50 x 50 mm cross-section, 25 mm along the grain
Key Formulas
Moisture Content (%) = [ (Initial Mass - Oven-Dry Mass) / Oven-Dry Mass ] × 100
Practical Notes
The oven-drying method (Clause 4) is the definitive 'referee' method for accuracy and should be used in case of disputes.
Electrical moisture meters (Clause 5) require species-specific and temperature-specific corrections to provide accurate readings.
Moisture content is a critical property affecting dimensional stability, strength, glue adhesion, and resistance to biological decay in timber.