Nondestructive Evaluation of Lumber and Cross-Laminated Timber from Pine Trees Felled for up to One Year
| Authors: | Sona Azad, Laya Khademibami, Troy Bowman, Iris B. Montague, Kozma Naka, Seyed A. Fatemi, Rubin Shmulsky |
| Year: | 2025 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Forest Products Laboratory |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.13073/FPJ-D-25-00038 |
| Source: | Forest Products Journal |
Abstract
The use of downed timber from felled pine trees presents an opportunity to reduce economic losses and enhance sustainability in the forestry and construction industries. This study investigates the mechanical properties of lumber and cross-laminated timber panels from pine trees that were felled and then remained on the ground for up to 1 year. Time intervals included 0, 6, 9, and 12 months. Acoustic velocity (AV) and dynamic modulus of elasticity ( D MOE ) were used for nondestructive evaluation. Additional properties of interest included moisture content and density. After equilibration, moisture content across time intervals differed statistically but not practically. Density varied slightly across time intervals, but differences were more likely a function of variations in parent trees rather than the result of time on the ground. The AV and D MOE remained largely stable in lumber, suggesting minimal structural degradation over time. Cross-laminated timber panels demonstrated consistently higher AV and D MOE values compared with lumber, underscoring the effectiveness of cross-lamination in enhancing mechanical performance. The cross-lamination process mitigated the effects of aging and environmental exposure, with no significant variations in density or AV over the study period. These findings suggest that storm-damaged timber retains much of its structural viability for up to 1 year. The study highlights the potential of using downed timber to promote sustainability in wood-based construction while reducing waste and economic losses.