Estimating the Service Life of Timber Structures Concerning Risk and Influence of Fungal Decay—A Review of Existing Theory and Modelling Approaches

Wood is a renewable resource and promising construction material for the growing bio-based economy. Efficiently utilising wood in built environment requires comprehensive understanding of dynamics regarding its usability. Durability an essential property to consider, as various types exposure create conditions deterioration through biotic abiotic agents. Biodegradable materials introduce increased complexity design processes, decomposition during structure’s lifetime presents physical risk human health safety costs related repairs maintenance. Construction professionals are thus tasked with wooden elements accentuate material’s beneficial properties while reducing in-service decomposition. In this paper, only cause effect fungal induced decay on service life buildings other wood-based assets reviewed. The components can be extended if suitable controlled. Multiple existing modelling approaches described throughout text, special attention given two most ones; TimberLife WoodExter. choosing appropriate model specific application, authors recommend evaluating model’s regional specificity, complexity, practicality, longevity adaptability.