A hybrid interface-element for the simulation of moisture-induced cracks in wood

Moisture-induced cracking of wood is a well-known phenomenon. Nevertheless, until now, no numerical approaches are at hand to appropriately capture this feature. Hence, in the framework of this paper, a novel multiphysical hybrid interface-element and a respective interface material formulation are derived in order to be able to coincidentally simulate anisotropic moisture transfer through and along the crack plane and the mechanical response. Hygro-mechanical coupling is considered by means of moisture-dependent input quantities and swelling/shrinkage of the adjacent bulk material. The hybrid element is applied for a comprehensive numerical parameter study on the influence of wood species, material direction and initial moisture content on moisture-induced cracking.

► Novel hybrid interface-element. ► Material formulation for simulation of moisture-induced cracking in wood. ► Consideration of anisotropic diffusion along and across the crack plane. ► Consideration of moisture-dependent material properties. ► Application to a comprehensive numerical parameter study on shrinkage cracking.