Relationship between stress wave transmission time and compressive properties of timbers removed from service
| Authors: | Robert J. Ross, Roy F. Pellerin, John W. Forsman, John R. Erickson, Jeff A. Lavinder |
| Year: | 2001 |
| Type: | Research Note |
| Station: | Forest Products Laboratory |
| Source: | FPL-RN-280 |
Abstract
Stress wave nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques are used in the inspection of timber structures and frequently are included as a complement to visual inspection procedures. Inspectors use stress wave NDE techniques to locate internal voids and decayed or deteriorated areas in large timbers. Although these techniques have proven useful in inspections, little information exists concerning the relationship between stress wave parameters and important residual strength properties of large timbers. We examined the relationship between stress wave transmission time and the residual strength of large timbers obtained from two different structures. Stress wave transmission time, perpendicular to grain, was measured at several locations on each timber. Static compression tests, both parallel and perpendicular to grain, were then performed. A strong relationship was found between stress wave transmission time and residual strength in compression parallel and perpendicular to grain.