Field Application of EMC-Based Temperature–Humidity Monitoring for Durability Risk Assessment in Timber Buildings

Timber buildings are increasingly applied to mid- and large-scale construction, which intensifies the need for durability strategies against moisture-driven deterioration. This paper proposes a durability-oriented moisture monitoring and risk assessment framework integrating (i) a review of durability design requirements in leading regions, (ii) degradation case analysis from existing timber buildings, and (iii) a smart monitoring workflow for temperature-humidity measurement and equilibrium moisture content (EMC)-based alerts. Domestic field surveys identified recurring moisture pathways including window/joint leakage due to timber shrinkage, inadequate drainage and waterproofing details, insufficient ground separation at timber bases, and leakage from aged building services. A distributed monitoring system was implemented using embedded and ambient sensors with RS-485/MODBUS communication. EMC was estimated via the Hailwood-Horrobin model, and risk was classified using duration-based exceedance criteria (e.g., EMC > 20% sustained for > 6 h). Results show that cumulative high-humidity exposure governs moisture accumulation more strongly than short-term peaks. The framework supports proactive maintenance and detailing improvements (drainage, airtightness continuity, ventilated cavities) and provides an operational basis for long-life management of timber buildings in humid climates.