Studies on reproducibility and accurate measurement of moisture content of wood samples using an electric moisture meter

Abstract

Studies were conducted on reproducibility, and accurate measurement of moisture content of four wood samples using an electric moisture meter. Experimental results indicated that there was no clear relationship between moisture content and grain angle within a radius of 30mm. Repeated measurements of moisture content at different locations or points on the wood surface showed similar patterns of variation. Within-point standard deviation of the moisture content was bigger than between-point standard deviation. A non-destructive method of measuring moisture content at the same location or point on the wood surfaces could not be proposed because of the high variation of moisture content when repeated measurements were taken at the same point. Instead, accurate measurements of moisture content could be obtained at random positions with a radius of 30mm.