Moisture contents in timber roof structures of ice rinks

Moisture content in load-bearing timber elements of ice-rinks can exceed acceptable levels. High relative humidity around the load-bearing elements located over the ice surface is easily be generated. High moisture content of the wood negatively affects the load-bearing capacity and durability of the structure. Control of humidity levels is therefore a special concern for engineers designing the structure. This paper lists and compares moisture contents measured in different ice-rinks: closed and open building envelopes, with and without climate control. Moisture contents were measured above the grandstand, but also above the ice surface. The presented work provides a data-based overview of measured moisture contents and lists recommendation for future structures.