Treesearch

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of a stress wave technique for evaluating wood strength and stiffness of young-growth western hemlock and Sitka spruce in standing trees. A secondary objective was to determine if the effects of silvicultural practices on wood quality can be identified using this technique. Stress wave measurements were conducted on 168 young growth western hemlock and Sitka spruce trees. After in situ measurements, a 0.61-m-long bole section in the test span was taken from 56 felled trees to obtain small, clear wood specimens. Stress...

Ten tropical hardwoods from Bolivia were evaluated for weathering performance (erosion rate, dimensional stability, warping, surface checking, and splitting). The wood species were Amburana cearensis (roble), Anadenanthera macrocarpa (curupau), Aspidosperma cylindrocarpon (jichituriqui), Astronium urundeuva (cuchi), Caesalpinia cf. pluviosa (momoqui), Diplotropis purpurea (sucupira), Guibourtia chodatiana (sirari), Phyllostylon rhamnoides (cuta), Schinopsis cf. quebracho-colorado (soto), and Tabebuia spp. (lapacho group) (tajibo or ipe). Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah) from Australia and...

In this study, we develop models for predicting loss in bending strength of clear, straight-grained pine from changes in chemical composition. Although significant work needs to be done before truly universal predictive models are developed, a quantitative fundamental relationship between changes in chemical composition and strength loss for pine was demonstrated. In particular, this study explored a linear independent-component modeling approach. The models were evaluated across a range of environmental exposure conditions known to cause strength loss and with several chemical treatments...

This is the first in a series of reports on the erosion rates of wood exposed outdoors near Madison, Wisconsin. The specimens were oriented vertically, facing south; erosion was measured annually for the first several years and biannually for the remainder of the exposure. In the work reported here, the erosion rates of earlywood and latewood were determined for smooth-planed vertical-grained lumber and abrasive-planed and saw-textured flat-grained plywood for an exposure period of 16 years. Lumber species were southern pine, western redcedar, Douglas-fir, and redwood; plywood species were...

This is the third in a series of reports on the erosion rates of wood exposed outdoors near Madison, Wisconsin. The specimens were exposed at an orientation of 90* or 45* facing south or horizontally (0*) for 10 years. Erosion was measured annually for the first 8 years and after 10 years. The erosion rates of earlywood (springwood) and latewood (summerwood) were determined for smooth-planed vertical-grained and flat-grained lumber (radial and tangential surfaces, respectively). Wood species included Douglas-fir, loblolly pine, southern pine, western redcedar, northern red oak, and yellow...

Increased use of pressure sensitive adhesives for labels and stamps has introduced another contaminant into the office paper stream: silicone- coated release liners. This study examines methods and conditions for removal of contaminants, including these liners, from a typical batch of discarded office papers. Removal of contaminants contained in the furnish were compared using alkaline and near neutral pH repulping conditions. Residual contaminants were measured by image analysis, and the number and size of the contaminants were compared on handsheets that were prepared from samples...

The strength and stability of any structure depends heavily on the fasteners that hold its parts together. One prime advantage of wood as a structural material is the ease with which wood structural parts can be joined together using a wide variety of fasteners: nails, staples, screws, lag screws, bolts, and various types of metal connectors. For the utmost rigidity, strength, and service each fastener type requires careful design. General requirements for moisture content, location, spacing, and fabrication in the design of joints should be checked with design manuals (American Forest and...

A sampling of nominal 6- by 8-inch (standard 140- by 184-mm) Douglas-fir timbers was obtained from an industrial military building in Minnesota. Thirty selected timbers had heart checks (boxed heart splits), which are characteristic of most old timbers installed in dry locations. Sixty selected timbers did not have heart checks. Most of the beams would grade as Select Structural Beams and Stringers by current grading rules. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the unchecked beams was greater than the allowable values given in the National Design Specification, but the modulus of rupture...

This paper presents a review of more than 10 years of research on the effects of fire-retardant treatments on wood properties and the potential of these treatments for in-service degradation when exposed to elevated temperatures. It presents an in-depth discussion of the findings and implications of a major wood engineering research program to assess the current condition, extend service life, and predict residual serviceability of fire-retardant-treated plywood when used as structural roof sheathing.

This paper documents the development of procedures in American Society for Testing and Materials standards for adjusting the allowable properties of lumber for changes in moisture content. The paper discusses the historical context of efforts to establish allowable properties on a consensus basis, beginning in the 19th century. Where possible, the reasons for proposed changes in the standards are presented. The goal of this work is to foster a better understanding of how current standards have evolved and to promote reconciliation of conflicting property assignment procedures between...