Innovative Environmental Monitoring for Timber Frame Structures Using a Wireless Sensor Network

Abstract

The rapid development of connected devices and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has enabled real-time environmental monitoring through low-cost sensor networks. Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) offer a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution for continuous monitoring of environmental conditions in building structures. This study presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a low-cost WSN for environmental monitoring of timber frame structures, with particular emphasis on moisture-related degradation in Welsh larch buildings. The proposed system employs wireless sensing nodes to continuously monitor and record predefined environmental parameters relevant to timber performance, durability, and moisture accumulation. Although IoT-based monitoring systems have been widely adopted in smart buildings and environmental applications, limited research has focused on timber-specific environmental behaviour using adaptable and open-source WSN architectures. The developed system addresses this gap by integrating low-cost sensing, wireless communication, and real-time data acquisition into a scalable monitoring framework. The experimental evaluation demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed approach for continuous environmental monitoring of timber frame structures and provides a basis for identifying environmental conditions associated with moisture accumulation and potential material degradation. The proposed WSN architecture offers a practical and cost-effective approach for condition monitoring and long-term assessment of timber structures.