Effect of Nordic climate on cupping of stress laminated timber decks

In this paper a numerical method based on a single-Fickian moisture diffusion model coupled with an orthotropic-viscoelastic-mechanosorptive model for wood, previously developed by some of the authors, is used to study the effect of moisture content on stress laminated timber decks (SLTDs) of bridges under different Northern climates. In particular, SLTD specimens tested during the earlier Nordic Timber Bridge project and the deck of Umeå bridge in Sweden are analysed. The results obtained by moisture-stress analyses carried out by Abaqus FEM code show the capabilities of the numerical approach to predict cupping and losses of bar forces in these structures. The proposed method can be useful to improve the performance control and the maintenance of the SLTDs during their service life.