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Water Duration & Cabinets – Phase II: Testing & Results

William Yanko, PhD, PE
William Yanko, PhD, PE

To study the effects of water on wood-based composite cabinetry (particleboard), U. S. Forensic engineers, under the direction of William Yanko, PhD, PE, conducted an intricate experimental test program. Visit USF Research: Phase I to learn about the initial stages of the study.


Testing Program

The testing program had a cycle time of 70 total days. The flow rates were calibrated to 15-25 drips per minute. Observations were continuous and the data collection was based on scheduled intervals.

Observation Schedule

Water Delivery onto the Cabinet Shelf

https://youtu.be/NPfzVjDciRk


Test Program Observations: Day 2

Distortion of veneer materials
Distortion of veneer materials
Discoloration of back panel
Discoloration of back panel
No corrosion on door hinges
No corrosion on door hinges
Swelling of kick plate and vertical panels
Swelling of kick plate and vertical panels

Test Program Observations: Day 7

Significant swelling; no material “break apart”
Significant swelling; no material “break apart”
No visible mold growth beneath the cabinet
No visible mold growth beneath the cabinet

Test Program Observations: Day 14

Visible mold growth beneath the cabinet
Visible mold growth beneath the cabinet
Visible mold growth on the drywall
Visible mold growth on the drywall

Test Program Observations: Day 21

Vertical deflection of shelf (3/16”) and veneer loss (for cabinet filled with 1” of water; none otherwise)
Vertical deflection of shelf (3/16”) and veneer loss (for cabinet filled with 1” of water; none otherwise)
No break-apart of particleboard
No break-apart of particleboard

Test Program Observations: Day 63

Vertical deflection of shelf (2.25”) and veneer loss (for cabinet filled with 1” of water; none otherwise)
Vertical deflection of shelf (2.25”) and veneer loss (for cabinet filled with 1” of water; none otherwise)
Significant mold growth underneath
Significant mold growth underneath
Mold growth in adjacent cabinets
Mold growth in adjacent cabinets
Mold growth on wall behind the cabinets
Mold growth on wall behind the cabinets
No corrosion of door hinges
No corrosion of door hinges
No break-apart of particleboard
No break-apart of particleboard

General Observations

  • Swelling of particleboard after 1 day
  • Fungal growth under cabinets at 14 days
  • Bowing (3/16”) of cabinet shelf at 21 days (for cabinet filled with 1” of water; none otherwise)
  • Minor corrosion of fasteners at 70 days
  • No corrosion of door hinges at 70 days

Test Program Summary

Test Program Summary

Filed Under: Research

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U.S. Forensic Corporate Office

3201 Ridgelake Drive | Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 831-7001 Office | (888) 436-3092 Fax
Toll Free Number – Central Time Zone: (888) 873-0012
Toll Free Number – Eastern Time Zone:(888) 873-0029
Toll Free Number – Mountain & Pacific Time Zones: (888) 873-0771
info@usforensic.com

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