Please wait...

From Lab Notes
Contact Information
Forest Products Laboratory
One Gifford Pinchot Drive
Madison, WI 53726
Phone: (608) 231-9200
Fax: (608) 231-9592
Email

 

You are here: FPL Home  / Partnerships  / Coalition for Advanced Wood Structures  / Research In Progress - Recent Postings

Research In Progress Publications - Recent Postings

Below are the 41 publications sorted by date-posted. You may re-sort the listing by: Title,  Publication Series,  Date Posted  -or- Publication Year.


Date posted: 06/14/13
Title: Reuse Options for Preservatively Treated Wood
Source: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin, Research In Progress FPL-RIP-4714-024
Author(s) Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2013   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 252 kb(s)
Abstract: Millions of pounds of chemically treated wood end up in our Nation.s landfills each year. In addition to wasting this wood resource by throwing it away, it is also posing a future chemical contamination problem. Although some of this treated wood has reached the end of its usefulness, much of it has a significant residual life. This is especially the case with wood from wood decks. Most wood decks in this country (an estimated 30 million exist) are built using treated wood for protection against wood decay and termite attack, and thousands are torn down or have their surface decking replaced each year. This research effort is investigating ways to better utilize and extend the life of preservatively treated lumber salvageable from these structures.
Keywords: wood waste, preservatively treated wood, landfill diversion, reuse, recycling
Date posted: 05/18/12
Title: Evaluating Hygrothermal Performance of Interlocking Cross-Laminated Timber Walls
Source: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin, Research In Progress RIP-4716-009
Author(s) Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2012   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 463 kb(s)
Abstract: Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a multilayer panel made of lumber, with each layer aligned perpendicular and joined to adjacent layers for rigidity and dimensional stability. Over the past two decades, CLT has become established in Europe for use as prefabricated structural members in floor, wall, and roof assemblies. This construction method is gaining interest in North America, but widespread adoption would require development of production capacity, design standards, and code acceptance. One essential aspect of building design is the durability of the building envelope. This study will investigate the thermal and moisture performance of interlocking cross-laminated timber (ICLT) wall assemblies in various U.S. climates.
Keywords: Interlocking cross-laminated timber, moisture, hygrothermal performance, walls, CARWASh
Title: Force Transfer around Openings: Phase II
Source: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin, Research In Progress RIP-4719-014
Author(s) Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2012   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 481 kb(s)
Abstract: The understanding of force transfer around openings (FTAO) is essential to the design of timber buildings that are safe against natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornados, and hurricanes. These disasters occur every year around the world and have resulted in billions of dollars in property damages and many unfortunate casualties (Fig. 1). A joint research project by the APA-The Engineered Wood Association; the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory; and the University of British Columbia in 2010 (referred to as Phase I) identified the Diekmann method as the technique that seemed to best match laboratory observations (Fig. 2) and computer model simulations when compared with other methods (such as the drag strut, cantilever beam, and coupled beam techniques). The final Phase I report is available at www.apawood. org/pdfs/download_pdf.cfm?PDFFilename=managed/M410.pdf.
Keywords: force transfer, openings, design, natural disasters
Title: Mechanically Fastened Cross-Laminated Timber System Feasibility
Source: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin, Research In Progress RIP-4714-022
Author(s) Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2012   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 476 kb(s)
Abstract: Cross-laminated timber (CLT) wall systems have been manufactured in Europe for over a decade, offering many economic, building performance, and environmental advantages to wood-based construction. By laminating several layers of lumber at right angles to each other, CLT panels provide structural, combustion, and dimensional stability properties more comparable to concrete than traditional wood-framed systems. Low-grade lumber can also be incorporated into CLT panels because the reinforcing that occurs with multiple layers overcomes the effect of localized weak areas in the lumber. Interest is growing to adopt this technology to U.S. building practices.
Keywords: cross laminated timber, solid wood construction, timber construction, beetle killed pine, housing, rural development
Title: Wood Products Consumption for Nonresidential Construction in the United States and Canada, 2011
Source: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin, Research In Progress RIP-4851-007
Author(s) Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2012   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 472 kb(s)
Abstract: Construction of new low-rise nonresidential buildings and remodeling and renovation of existing buildings are important markets for steel, concrete, and wood building materials. Nonresidential construction is largely dominated by steel and concrete, whereas in residential construction, wood constitutes over 90% of all building materials used.
Keywords: Nonresidential construction, wood products consumption, value of new construction, lumber, structural panels, engineered wood products
Date posted: 08/05/10
Title: Structural Testing of Roof-to-Wall Connection and Blocking Details
Source: FPL RIP-4714-020
Author(s) Kochkin,Vladimir; Ehrlich,Gary; Wang, Xiping;
Year: 2010   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 266 kb(s)
Abstract: Recent changes to the requirements for roof-to-wall connections in the 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) for high wind and seismic areas, and for roofs with high heel trusses, include additional detailing requirements for fastening, blocking, and knee walls. These new requirements, however, have not been optimized from the performance standpoint to account for the contribution of system effects from components such as roof sheathing and hurricane ties/clips. The new additional requirements also lead to added cost and time of construction - an issue that is particularly important to the construction industry because of the rising use of high heeled roof trusses to meet increasing energy efficiency standards.
Keywords: air drying, Forlift yard, moisture content, warping, checking
Date posted: 06/16/10
Title: Evaluation of a Timber Bridge for the Secondary Road System Using FRP-Reinforced Glulam Girders
Source: FPL DIP-2009-002
Author(s) Phares, Brent M.
Year: 2010   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Demonstration in Progress
File size: 652 kb(s)
Abstract: In recent years, the concept of an economical, durable, short-span bridge that reduces construction time has become to the county engineer more of a necessity than a goal. In addition, county engineers are seeking these same qualities in methods to repair and strengthen existing bridges on the secondary road system. This is just one of the goals that the Innovative Bridge Research and Construction (IRBC) Program, sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), wishes to achieve through sponsored research projects. Delaware County, Iowa, took a step in that direction through the construction of a 64-ft-long bridge using glued-laminated timber girders reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and a transverse glued-laminated timber deck. The bridge was fabricated by Alamco Wood Products, Inc., of Albert Lea, Minnesota. Prior funding for the design, construction (including materials), and monitoring/evaluation of this project has been obtained through the IBRC Program with the assistance of Curtis Monk, Division Bridge Engineer with the Iowa Division of the FHWA.
Keywords: timber bridge; secondary roads; FRP; glulam girders
Title: Literature Review and Assessment of Nanotechnology for Remote Sensing of Wood Transportation Structures
Source: FPL RIP-3333-014
Author(s) Ritter, Michael; Wipf, Terry J.
Year: 2010   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 743 kb(s)
Abstract: Recently, efforts have focused on the development of civil structures that have embedded sensors and on-board data processing capabilities-typically termed 'smart structures.' The fusion of these smart technologies into infrastructure is intended to give bridge owners and managers better and timelier information on how structures are behaving and when they need maintenance. To this point, most efforts have focused on ways to integrate conventional sensors and the development of data processing algorithms. Almost simultaneously, fundamental research has occurred on what is generally termed 'nanotechnology.' Nanotechnology can take on many forms but can generally be thought of as very, very small (i.e., nanometer-scale) sensors, machines, devices that are infused within a larger element or system.
Keywords: timber; nanotechnology; smart structure; remote sensing; transportation structures
Date posted: 03/08/10
Title: Understanding the Behavior of Mid-Rise Light-Frame Wood Buildings--Phase II
Source: FPL RIP-4719-009
Author(s) Douglas R. Rammer; John W. van de Lindt;
Year: 2010   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 1397 kb(s)
Abstract: Mid-rise wood-frame construction provides many benefits, ranging from rapid and economical construction to sustainable and resilient construction. A design philosophy recently developed in the NEESWood (Network for Earthquake Engineering and Simulation: Development of a Performance-Based Seismic Design Philosophy for Mid-Rise Woodframe Construction) project enables this type of construction for six-story multi-family buildings in high seismic regions of the United States. The world's largest earthquake shake table test took place as part of this project in Miki, Japan, on a building with over 14,000 ft2 of living space in 23 living units, with a total of 36 bedrooms.
Keywords: light-frame wood; seismic; performance-based design; shake table; structural dynamics; wood design
Date posted: 02/01/10
Title: Assessment of FEMA P695 on Seismic Design of Light-Frame Wood Residential Construction
Source: FPL RIP-4719-008
Author(s) Kochkin, Vladimir; Rammer, Douglas;
Year: 2010   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 782 kb(s)
Abstract: Seismic design of buildings is based on a combination of empirical knowledge and engineering analysis. The experience accumulated from seismic events and large-scale tests provides confidence in engineering models and serves to establish acceptable levels of risk for code compliance (Figure 1). With the ongoing development of new building systems, accumulated experience and testing is lacking to establish acceptable risk levels for these systems. To address this need, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) developed FEMA P695 (ATC-63), a methodology for quantifying building system performance and response parameters for use in seismic design.
Keywords: seismic design; light frame wood construction; nonlinear analysis; modeling; FEMA
Date posted: 01/11/10
Title: Microbial Succession in Naturally Durable Wood Species in Above-Ground Field Tests
Source: FPL RIP-4723-013
Author(s) Diehl, Susan V.,Clausen, Carol A.
Year: 2009   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 1265 kb(s)
Abstract: Forests in the United States contain a substantial amount of small-diameter material from underutilized tree species. Overstocked stands of trees need to be thinned to help reduce the risks of wildfire and improve overall forest health, but they often have relatively low value because of trunk size, growth habitat, accessibility, or lack of commercial applications. Other introduced tree species have invaded natural ecosystems and reduced biological diversity in native flora and wildlife. Some of these underutilized and invasive wood species are known to be naturally resistant to insects and decay, but relatively little is known about the field performance of wood products from these species or the physical or chemical properties that impart their natural durability. New applications for wood from these species would enhance the cost effectiveness of thinning operations, create business and employment opportunities in rural communities, and increase options for replacement components in residential and non-residential structures while reducing wildfire risks and improving forest health.
Keywords: Molecular genetics; Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (TRFLP); microbial succession; above-ground; natural durability; invasive species; underutilized species
Title: Sustainable Building Materials from At-Risk Intermountain Species
Source: FPL RIP-4714-019
Author(s) Kretschmann, David; Gorman, Thomas; Morrow, Carl
Year: 2010   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 235 kb(s)
Abstract: The shift from traditional forest management to ecosystem restoration practices is expected to generate a sustainable flow of small-diameter logs that could be used to produce structural and nonstructural building products. Conversion of these raw materials to the most appropriate end uses is vital to restoration management and the local industries it supports.
Keywords: douglas-fir; lumber; stiffness; ecosystem restoration; small diameter
Date posted: 11/17/09
Title: Wood Sole Plate Anchorage to Concrete under Monotonic and Cyclic Loading
Source: FPL RIP-4719-007
Author(s) Rammer, Douglas; Kochkin, Vladimir;
Year: 2009   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 244 kb(s)
Abstract: Lateral force resisting systems for wood-framed buildings typically consist of wood structural panel shear walls with anchor bolts located at the edge of foundations. The resisting system is relied upon to defend against wind and seismic loading conditions. For wood construction, anchor bolt connections often have an edge distance of 1-3/4 in. from the bolt center line to the face of the concrete slab or footing. Engineers have historically anticipated the controlling failure of this connection to occur between the anchor bolt and the wood sill plate, but current design provisions predict concrete break-out failures. With little information, engineers and code official are forced to specify lower anchor bolt capacities than what has historically been accepted.
Keywords: wood sole plate; concrete anchorage; monotonic loading; cyclic loading; lateral force; anchor bolt capabilities; concrete to wood sill anchorage
Date posted: 10/27/09
Title: Design and Understanding of Force Transfer around Openings
Source: FPL RIP-4719-005
Author(s) Yeh,B.J.; Wacker, Jim; Lam, Frank
Year: 2009   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 290 kb(s)
Abstract: Shear walls and diaphragms are the primary lateral-load-resisting elements in wood-frame construction. Such buildings have performed relatively well in earthquakes and hurricanes from the life safety perspective. However, property losses from natural disaster can be high. For example, in the January 17, 1994, Northridge earthquake in the Los Angeles metropolitan region, property losses were attributed predominately to damages in wood-frame housing, accounting for over half of the $40 billion property damage and approximately 48,000 uninhabitable buildings. Better understanding and improvement of these lateral-load-resistive systems are needed to further enhance wood-frame construction as a competitive solution in wide applications, including residential buildings and engineered mid-rise construction.
Keywords: force transfer; shear walls; design methods; disaster performance; wood-frame construction; force behavior; force transfer around openings
Date posted: 10/19/09
Title: Development of Moisture Management Instructional Videos
Source: FPL RIP-4716-006
Author(s) Glass, Samuel; Peavey, John;
Year: 2009   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 329 kb(s)
Abstract: A series of web-based videos is being developed to meet the challenge of keeping the housing industry current on changes in building code requirements and construction techniques. The instructional videos will focus on illustrating construction techniques that minimize moisture-related performance issues in the design and construction of wood-framed wall systems. Three topics will be explored in the video mini-series:

 

  • An overview of the building enclosure
  • Drainage and drying methods for absorptive cladding wall systems
  • Wall system components: flashing, water- and air-resistant barriers, and insulation

Keywords: Instructional; Construction Methods; Construction Techniques; Moisture Performance; Building Envelope Performance; Wall Design and Performance.
Date posted: not available
Title: Analysis of Wing-Loading Data Collected During Hurricane Katrina
Source: FPL RIP-EML-007-
Author(s) USDA-FS Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2007   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 874 kb(s)
Title: Characterization of Juvenile Wood in Western Softwood Species
Source: FPL RIP-4701-001
Author(s) Dr. David W. Green; Dr. Michael Wiemann; Dr. Thomas M. Gorman
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 285 kb(s)
Keywords: ; FPL; Research; Forest Products Laboratory; AHRC; Advanced Housing Research Center
Title: Characterization of the At-Risk Timber Resource in the Intermountain West
Source: FPL RIP-4714-016
Author(s) USDA-FS Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2007   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 302 kb(s)
Keywords: restoration forestry, biomass utilization, small-diameter timber
Title: Characterizing Product Potential from Ecosystem Restoration Activities
Source: FPL RIP-4714-013
Author(s) USDA-FS Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2007   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 665 kb(s)
Keywords: U of ID, University of Idhao, restoration, biomass, small diameter
Title: Chemistry of Wood-Plastic Composites Weathering
Source: FPL RIP-4706-003
Author(s) Dr. Armando McDonald; Dr. Nicole Stark; Dr. Mike Wolcott
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 143 kb(s)
Title: Constructing Severe Weather Safe Rooms Using Small-Diameter Timber
Source: FPL RIP-EML-008-
Author(s) USDA-FS Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2007   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 510 kb(s)
Title: Design of a Timber Bridge to Evaluate Deck Design Details
Source: FPL RIP-3333-010
Author(s) USDA-FS Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2007   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 284 kb(s)
Keywords: timber; deck; wearing surface; differential deflection; design; details
Title: Development and Demonstration of Fleet Management Strategies for Timber Bridges
Source: FPL RIP-3333-006
Author(s) Brent Phares; Terry Wipf
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 109 kb(s)
Keywords: ; FPL; Research; Forest Products Laboratory; AHRC; Advanced Housing Research Center
Title: Development of a Smart Glued-Laminated Timber Bridge
Source: FPL RIP-EML-004-
Author(s) Brent Phares; Terry Wipf
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 126 kb(s)
Title: Development of a Smart Timber Bridge—Phase II: Integration of Sensors into Glued-Laminated Beams
Source: FPL RIP-4719-002
Author(s) USDA Forest Service; Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2007   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 285 kb(s)
Keywords: ; bridge; timber; monitoring; isu
Title: Evaluation of Wind Pressure Measurement Techniques for Test Structures
Source: FPL RIP-EML-010-
Author(s) USDA-FS Forest Products Laboratory; Sritharan, Sri;Murphy, Joe;
Year: 2008   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 405 kb(s)
Keywords: test house; timber roof; instrumented house; wind tunnel test; hurricane; pressure measurement; interpolation; analysis
Title: Field Test Site to Study Destructive Formosan Termite
Source: FPL RIP-4723-002
Author(s) Michael G. Sanders
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 152 kb(s)
Keywords: ; FPL; Research; Forest Products Laboratory; AHRC; Advanced Housing Research Center
Title: High-Wind Research Structures
Source: FPL RIP-EML-005-
Author(s) Murphy, J.
Year: 2007   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 382 kb(s)
Title: Moisture Conditions in Wood-Based Sheathing in Walls with Absorptive
Source: FPL RIP-4716-007
Author(s) U.S. Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory; Carll, Charlie; Drumheller, Craig;
Year: 2009   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 363 kb(s)
Keywords: stucco cladding, manufactured stone cladding, hygrothermal modeling, moisture accumulation, moisture monitoring, driving rain, solar radiation
Title: Moisture Protection of Wood-Based Sheathing on Exterior Walls Clad with Absorptive Materials
Source: FPL RIP-4716-004
Author(s) USDA-FS Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2007   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 625 kb(s)
Keywords: ; moisture; wall cladding; durability; mold
Title: Needs Assessment for Advancing Timber Utilization in Mainline and Short-Line Railroad Applications
Source: FPL RIP-3333-005
Author(s) Terry Wipf; Brent Phares
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 138 kb(s)
Keywords: ; FPL; Research; Forest Products Laboratory; AHRC; Advanced Housing Research Center
Title: Positive Directed Movement of Coptotermes formosanus to Low-Level Electronic Fields
Source: FPL RIP-4723-004
Author(s) Kevin Ragon; Terry Amburgey
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 179 kb(s)
Keywords: ; FPL; Research; Forest Products Laboratory; AHRC; Advanced Housing Research Center
Title: Preliminary Evaluation of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Modified Wood
Source: FPL RIP-4714-011
Author(s) Rick Bergman; Dr. Joseph Denig
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 145 kb(s)
Keywords: ; FPL; Research; Forest Products Laboratory; AHRC; Advanced Housing Research Center
Title: Probabilistic Modeling of Glued-Laminated Timber
Source: FPL RIP-4714-007
Author(s) Hernandez, R.
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 200 kb(s)
Title: Remediating Treated Wood
Source: FPL RIP-4723-007
Author(s) Clausen, C.
Year: 2007   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 297 kb(s)
Title: Remote Monitoring of Historic Covered Timber Bridges in Madison County for Prevention of Arson and Vandalism
Source: FPL RIP-EML-001-
Author(s) Terry Wipf; Brent Phares
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 320 kb(s)
Title: Research - Demonstration House Development and Evaluation
Source: FPL RIP-3333-004
Author(s) FPL Laboratory
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 206 kb(s)
Abstract: An interdepartmental team from Haywood Community College in Clyde, North Carolina, is designing a research and demonstration house for construction on campus. The study is a cooperative undertaking of the Advanced Housing Research Center of the USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) and Haywood Community College (HCC). The purpose of this study is to acquire and disseminate knowledge regarding design, construction, and performance of a single-family residential building offering alternatives to marketplace standards in the forest-typical and climatic region that includes Haywood County, North Carolina.
Title: Revision of Timber Bridge Design Specifications
Source: FPL RIP-3333-009
Author(s) USDA-FS Forest Products Laboratory
Year: 2007   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 319 kb(s)
Keywords: ; timber; bridge; design; specifications; AASHTO; load test; performance
Title: Structural Grading of Logs from Small-Diameter Trees
Source: FPL RIP-4714-001
Author(s) Dr. David W. Green; Dr. Thomas M. Gorman
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 326 kb(s)
Keywords: ; FPL; Research; Forest Products Laboratory; AHRC; Advanced Housing Research Center
Title: Sustainable Houses for the Southern Climatic Region
Source: FPL RIP-3333-002
Author(s) Terry Amburgey
Year: 2005   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 257 kb(s)
Title: Wood Foundation Cost Study in the U.S. Gulf Coast Region
Source: FPL RIP-4851-005
Author(s) USDA-FS Forest Products Laboratory; Bianco, Marie T.;Mckeever, David;
Year: 2008   view abstract, download publication »
Category: Research In Progress
File size: 350 kb(s)
Keywords: raised wood; foundation; raised slab; Gulf Coast; cost study; base flood evaluations