WoodExter – Service life and performance of exterior wood above ground

Project Objectives
The main objective of WoodExter is to take the first steps towards introducing performance-based engineering design in practice for wood-based building components in outdoor above ground situations.

Project Approach
Three sub-projects will provide input for the development of an engineering type model for the prediction of service life of wooden constructions above ground:
-how different climates and end-use situations will affect the performance of wood
-the role of surface coatings interacting with wood
-development of indicators to produce in-service performance predictions with respect to the progress of decay. Additionally, there will be sub-projects for knowledge transfer and management.

Expected Project Impact
By using data on biological degradation of different wood-based materials and the role of use conditions, climate and designs, the project is expected to result in a model for estimation of service life of wooden constructions. Focus will be on cladding and decking. For further development and demonstration of the usefulness of the model a number of demonstration objects will be established. The most important issue for industry is that the project will provide a strong steer for future standardisation work within CEN, but also the input to the design of buildings.