Course Outline

Goal

This workshop will provide current and comprehensive knowledge about the response of wooden objects to humidity in order to facilitate setting cost-effective RH guidelines.

Description

The detailed response of wood to humidity and its conservation implications will be presented, including bends in the EMC/RH curve, anisotropic diffusion coefficients, and viscoplastic and plastic behavior. Predicting the response of assemblies containing wood and reducing the rate of response by simple means will be discussed. The complete cycle from response to deterioration will be explored: thresholds for fracture; delamination and distortion; cumulative fatigue; theoretical models and historical evidence. Participants will have an opportunity to work with Speed of Response and Time for Relaxation charts. A brief survey of the various museological traditions and criteria for loss of value will be covered. A lecture forum and slide presentation will be used; problem-solving discussions of specific collections and situations, and walk-around's of host collections will be encouraged.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• develop RH guidelines for collections

Target Audience