Determination of equilibrium moisture content of outdoor woods by using Hailwood-Horrobin equation in Korea

Abstract

"This research was carried out to investigate equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of wood in outdoor locations in Korea. EMC was calculated using Hailwood-Horrobin equation for 73 different locations in Korea using the 1981 to 2010 climate normal data obtained from the Korea Meteorological Admnistration (KMA). Daegu showed the lowest values of EMC (11.5), and the highest EMC values (15.8) was found in Heuksando. Considering the season effect, summer (June, July, August) showed the highest values 15.3, followed by autumn (September, October, November) 13.7, winter (December, January, February) 12.2, and spring (February, March, April) 12.0. Monthly EMC showed the lowest values 11.6 in April and July showed the highest EMC values 16.1. The smallest changes in monthly EMC were found in Jeju island and Heuksando showed the largest values 8.7. A proper wood drying based on average EMC is more required in the regions with larger variation in EMC.