Duration of load effects of solid wood: A review of methods and models

Abstract

Test methods for studying the effect of long-term loading on the load-carrying capacity of structural wood are discussed. The impact of sampling procedures on test results is investigated and is exemplified. It is concluded from this investigation that the sampling method has a significant impact on the test results. A number of mathematical models for estimation of the effect of load duration are also presented and brief outlines of the theoretical background for five categories of models are given. No attempt is made to compare the models in order to nominate the best model. Effort is, however, made to illustrate the futility of calibrating models against one type of test when the model is redundant to the test type.