Wood Framing - Creep 1

[ChrisKn]

I understand what creep in wood framing is..basically my understanding is creep is a permanent sag in a wood member caused by the stretching and adjusting of the wood fibers from a sustained weight on them.

I know this is a simplified version of what it really is. but anyway now my question.

Will creep in a wood memebers (floor framing) generally occur if they are not undersized or are not subjected to excessive moisture variations??

I'm relatively new to the forensic engineering profession (2 years) and still do not understand the entire concept behind creep in wood framing.

 

[MotorCity]

ChrisKn,

Be sure not to confuse deformation due to creep vs. deformation to changes in moisture content. Creep is primarily related to loads whereas shrinkage and swelling is due to humidity. In other words, a wood member will shrink or swell even if it is not loaded at all, depending on the season.

Also, for creep to occur, there needs to be a significant load for a long time span. For example, creep would generally not occur from live load because it is a moving load (not permanent). However, you may observe creep in the member where other beams are connected or in areas with a relatively large dead load.

Good luck.