Publications - TechLines |
| Below are 85 TechLines publications sorted by year. | |||
| You may re-sort the list by: Title Unit -or- Year |
Title: Fuel Value and Power Calculators Hide Abstract: This spreadsheet contains two worksheets and has no macros. The Fuel Value Calculator will help you calculate how much you could afford to pay for alternative heating fuels based on your current fuel source, its cost, and estimated recoverable heating values. The Power Calculator will help you estimate savings when considering generating electricity from woody biomass. The calculations in both worksheets are based on the energy in the fuels and their typical combustion efficiency but do not consider other costs (such as capital or maintenance costs, conversion costs, or fuel handling costs). |
Title: 3D Fiberboard: A New Structual Building Product Hide Abstract: Many of our national forests contain an abundance of small, tightly spaced trees and underbrush that can substantially contribute to catastrophic forest fires. Existing stands of dead or dying trees can also add fuel to forest fires. Such forest material is often not economical to remove or the capacity to process it does not exist. |
Title: Firewood--Transport, Insects, Storage Hide Abstract: Improper handling and storage of firewood can cause a multitude of problems. Relocation of firewood, insect activity, and proper storage techniques are all issues to consider when dealing with firewood. |
Title: Is it Red Oak or White Oak? |
Title: JMFA--an interactive Java program for determining microfibril angle from x-ray diffration data Hide Abstract: Much of our future timber supply is expected to come from improved softwood and hardwood trees grown on managed plantations or from small-diameter timber removed during forest management operations. This short-age-rotation resource will contain greater proportions of juvenile wood than does the present resource. |
Title: Relative Durability of Untreated Wood in Above-Ground Applications Hide Abstract: Wood that is exposed in non-soil-contact applications, such as fencing components and window frames, experi-ences a lower risk of decay than does similar material in contact with the soil. This document summarizes some information on the rate of decay in wood that is not in direct contact with the soil. |
Title: Detecting and identifying termites in a structure Hide Abstract: The threat of insects in or around your home can be alarming, especially when those insects can cause structural damage. It is important to know if insects you find around the house are in fact termites or some other crawling insect. Subterranean termites are found everywhere in the contiguous United States, making the possibility of termite infestation a widespread structural damage problem. Early detection and treatment of termites can drastically reduce the threat of damage to your home. |
Title: Detecting and Idetifying Termites in a Structure Hide Abstract: The threat of insects in or around your home can be alarming, especially when those insects can cause structural damage. It is important to know if insects you find around the house are in fact termites or some other crawling insect. |
Title: Fuel Treatment Evaluator 3.0 Hide Abstract: The Fuel Treatment Evaluator (FTE) 3.0 is a web-based tool that simulates uneven-aged and even-aged silvicultural treatments on timberland in 12 western states. This tool simulates treatments to reduce forest fire hazard to specific target levels and identifies the volume of biomass removed, harvesting costs, and estimated biomass revenue. |
Title: Learn More About New Wood Protection Treatment Hide Abstract: Recent years have brought increasing pressure to develop wood treatments that have very low toxicity to non-target organisms. This has led to the marketing of alternative treatment products that claim to be safe and non-toxic. Unfortunately, not all of these alternative products have been adequately tested for long-term wood protection. |
Title: Paying for Hazardous Fuel Treatments with Revenue from Removed Biomass Hide Abstract: Fuel Treatment Evaluator (FTE) 3.0 is a web-based tool that allows users to simulate uneven-aged and even-aged silvicultural treatments on timberland in 12 western states. This tool simulates treatments to reduce forest fire hazard to specific levels and identifies the volume of biomass re-moved, harvesting costs, and estimated biomass value (revenue). |
Title: Potential Growth of Wood Products Use in Low-Rise Nonresidential Buildings Hide Abstract: Today, concrete and steel are the predominant nonresidential building framing types. However, great potential exists for expanding the use of wood building products into nonresidential building. Currently, only 8% of total constructed nonresidential area is wood. |
Title: Attractive, Durable Roofing made from recycled plastic and wood fiber Hide Abstract: Research and development by the Forest Products Labora-tory (FPL) and Teel-Global Resource Technologies (Bara-boo, Wisconsin) have resulted in the creation of a molded composite roofing system made entirely from recycled natu-ral fiber and recycled plastic. A panelized roofing system is an ideal use for this recycled composite technology because (1) panels can be easily molded to resemble traditional roof-ing materials, such as cedar shakes, Spanish tiles, or slate, and (2) the aesthetic quality of the panels provides an oppor-tunity to showcase recycled material in a product that looks expensive but costs much less than the traditional product it replaces. |
Title: Better utilization of the dead tree resource Hide Abstract: Structural grading of logs used by the log home industry is currently based on visual methods. This is probably an overly conservative process. The lumber industry has used mechanical grading for over 40 years as a more precise method of assigning properties to structural lumber intended for engineered systems (such as floor and roof trusses and wooden I-joists). However, no such system exists for struc-tural round timber beams. |
Title: Center for Forest Mycology Research Culture Collection and Herbarium Hide Abstract: The Center for Forest Mycology Research (CFMR) at the Forest Products Laboratory maintains a collection of more than 12,000 living cultures of wood decay fungi. The CFMR also manages a herbarium collection of 75,000 dried speci-mens of decay fungi. These collections are a valuable re-source for scientists involved in durability studies-an im-portant aspect of housing research. |
Title: Engineered Wood Fiber Surfaces Improve Accessibility for Americans With Disabilities Hide Abstract: What is the preferred playground safety surface material in the United States today? The answer is engineered wood fiber (EWF). EWF is the technical name for a loose, mulch-like mixture of hardwood chips that meets certain specifications regarding chip size and shape, consistency, drainage, impact attenuation, and other qualities. At a cost of just $1.00/ft² to cushion a 10-ft fall height, the loosely piled wood chips are a cost-effective way to increase playground safety. However, as playground designers incorporate accessibility features into their designs, traditional EWF does not meet their needs. |
Title: Evaluating the dead yellow-cedar resource Hide Abstract: The objective of our study was to determine if the me-chanical properties of dead yellow-cedar snags decline over time. Samples were taken from 46 live and 62 dead trees on Nemo Point on Wrangell Island. The dead trees were sampled using a classification system developed by Paul Hennon, a pathologist with the USDA Forest Service in Juneau. |
Title: High-quality structural lumber from small-diameter logs Hide Abstract: Disease, insect attack, and catastrophic wildfire threaten millions of acres of forestlands in the United States. Thin-ning these dense, overstocked stands of trees can help re-duce the risks mentioned, but the thinning process can be very costly and may exceed the value of the material re-moved. Using the thinned material to create valuable prod-ucts is one way to improve the economics of the situation and to promote thinning operations that improve forest health. |
Title: Improved use of ponderosa pine in glulam beams Hide Abstract: In the United States, almost 300 million acres of forests are severely overcrowded with small-diameter, densely stocked trees. These forests need to be thinned to improve their health and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. However, thinning is an expensive task, costing from $200 to $1,500 per acre. Traditionally, there has not been a mar-ket for this material once it has been thinned. Uses for small-diameter wood must be found and markets for the products created in order to offset the cost of thinning. For several years, the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) has conducted cooperative studies with local communities and industry to improve the use of wood from small-diameter trees. One of the most common species in these stands is ponderosa pine. Preliminary testing on ponderosa pine lum-ber indicates that if mechanical grading technology is ap-plied, this material could be used in higher valued structural applications such as glued-laminated timber (glulam). |
Title: JMFA--an interactive Java program for determining microfibril angle from x-ray diffration data Hide Abstract: Much of our future timber supply is expected to come from improved softwood and hardwood trees grown on managed plantations or from small-diameter timber removed during forest management operations. This short-age-rotation resource will contain greater proportions of juvenile wood than does the present resource. |
Title: Linking log and product quality for structural wood products Hide Abstract: The fifth Resource Planning Act Assessment estimates that softwood harvests will increase 30% over the next 50 years. The majority (79%) of this projected increase will come from the South. With 37 million acres of industrial timber-land, the South has more timberland devoted to timber pro-duction than all other areas of the country combined. Large increases in production from private timberland in the West are not expected until about 2030. |
Title: Measurement of earlywood and latewood properties of loblolly pine Hide Abstract: A large portion of the nation’s future dimension lumber resource will come from genetically improved trees grown on intensively managed plantations. The focus of most tree breeders and forest managers is on increasing volume of wood fiber produced (i.e., fast growth). Fast growth can have negative impacts on the structural quali-ties of the wood products produced. |
Title: New uses for old lumber Hide Abstract: Since the beginning of the 20th century, more than 3 trillion board feet of lumber has been produced in the United States. Much of that lumber now resides in buildings and other structures that are made entirely or partially from wood. As these buildings age and are no longer used, a common way to dispose of them is demolition. |
Title: Outdoor durability of wood-plastic composite lumber Hide Abstract: Wood-plastic composite lumber is finding a place in the market for outdoor structures such as decking. The material is known for its environmental advantages: it diverts both wood and plastic from waste streams, and scraps produced during processing and installation can be recycled. Wood–plastic composites are promoted as durable materials that resist cracking and warping and require less maintenance than traditional pressure-treated wood decking. |
Title: Paper Permanence Hide Abstract: Paper permanence-the stability of paper and maintenance of its initial properties over a lengthy time—can be measured by accelerated aging tests in the laboratory. Such aging can then be correlated with long-term natural aging. |
Title: Structural products offer opportunities for lower value hardwoods Hide Abstract: Structural lumber markets have traditionally been dominated by softwood species. However, hardwood species have been used extensively for certain structural applications such as timbers for railroad bridges, crossties, and mine timbers. |
Title: Temperature adjustments increase accuracy of grade assignments Hide Abstract: Changes in moisture content and temperature can cause large changes in the mechanical properties of wood. Historically, tests of wood properties were conducted in a laboratory un-der constant conditions of temperature and humidity. This allowed the effect of temperature to be separated from the generally greater effect of moisture content. Increasingly, however, tests are conducted in the field under ambient con-ditions. For example, bending tests are conducted in the field using portable equipment to establish allowable properties for visually graded structural lumber. Wood temperatures at time of test ranged from 0°F to 90°F (–18°C to 32°C). Such test data must be corrected to room temperature to obtain meaningful results. |
Title: Using Waste Wood and Bark to Filter Contaminnants From Water Hide Abstract: Researchers at the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), have developed processes for making water filters from forest waste wood and agricultural residues. These filters can be used to improve water quality by removing contaminants such as particles, oil/grease, heavy metal ions, pesticides, and phosphorus. |
Title: What's In That Pressure-Treated Wood Hide Abstract: Wood in contact with the ground, or above ground that often gets wet, will eventually be attacked by decay fungi and insects. With the exception of naturally du-rable species, such as redwood and cedar, wood used in these applications should be pressure treated with preservatives if it is expected to last more than a few years. Several new wood preservatives developed in recent years have added to the variety of preservatives available. |
Title: Wood Flooring Made From Forest Restoration Material Hide Abstract: Throughout the West, our National Forests face an increased risk of catastrophic wildfire because of an overabundance of dense, overstocked forest stands. To restore our forests to a healthy state, stands need thinning. |
Title: Wood Identification: 90 Years of Public Service Hide Abstract: What wood is that? The curious, the scientist, the lawyer, and the business owner often pose this question. The wood might be a fragment from a crime scene, an ancient tomb, an archaeology dig, or a jar of jam. It might be a board from a house, an industrial facility, or any sized piece from just about anywhere. Identifying the wood might be as easy as looking at it with your naked eye, but in the Center for Wood Anatomy Research, scientists most often use more sophisticated methods, which could include the aid of a hand lens, microscope, or ultraviolet light, to accurately determine the specimen’s identity. |
Title: World's Largest Collection Hide Abstract: The Center for Wood Anatomy Research houses the largest research wood collection in the world. There are actually two separate wood collections—the Forest Products Labora-tory (FPL) wood collection (MADw), with more than 48,000 specimens, and the Samuel J. Record Memorial wood collection (SJRw), with approximately 55,000 speci-mens. These wood specimens are used every day for anatomical research and to provide comparison specimens for wood identification. |
Title: Biomass for Small Scale Heat and Power Hide Abstract: Biomass energy technology for small-scale systems holds tremendous opportunities for offsetting local energy needs. The State and Private Forestry Technology Marketing Unit (TMU), located at the Forest Products Laboratory, provides assistance to rural communities and businesses to diversify and expand their economic opportunities by developing value-added uses for thinned material from the forest. In one of TMU?s latest projects, they teamed with the U.S. Department of Energy, through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), to demonstrate nationwide the use of a small-scale biomass system that produces 15 kW of electricity by gasifying wood chips. When this technology is commercially available, it will provide a reliable and efficient source of heat and power, using both agricultural and forest residues (also see TechLine Wood Biomass for Energy). |
Title: Changes in Pressure-Treated Wood for Residential Construction Hide Abstract: Wood treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), commonly called ?green-treated? wood, dominated the residential market for several decades and was sold at lumberyards under a variety of trade names. However, as the result of voluntary changes submitted by CCA registrants, labeling of CCA by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) now permits the product to be used primarily for industrial applications. Use of wood treated prior to 2004 is not affected by this change. This development has raised questions about the availability of CCA-treated wood and the properties of alternative types of treatments. |
Title: Crawl Space Ventilation Hide Abstract: In the Southern United States, where high water tables often preclude basement construction, building houses on posts or piers or over crawl spaces is a tradition. Decades ago, it was common in the South to build houses on posts. In these houses, the under-floor area was extremely well vented and about as warm in summer and as cold in winter as outside ambient conditions. Although these houses would not meet expectations for thermal comfort today, they generally did not have moisture problems. Moisture that evaporated from the ground was largely dissipated to the atmosphere. |
Title: Fuel Value Calculator Hide Abstract: The Fuel Value Calculator is a tool that can be used to compare typical unit costs of various fuels. Originally developed by A.B. Curtis, Jr., of the USDA Forest Service’s Southern Region, the fifth edition of the Calculator has been published in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, and the Pellet Fuels Institute in Arlington, Virginia. The following information is to be used in conjunction with the Calculator, which is available by contacting the Forest Products Laboratory. |
Title: Log Sort Yard Economics, Planning, and Feasibility Hide Abstract: The Technology Marketing Unit is exploring the potential of log sort yards for providing better utilization of our forest resources and improved value recovery of small-diameter material and underutilized species. Log sort yards may also have application in enhancing the Nation?s capability for managing forest land by improving the utilization and marketing of wood and biomass removed from thinning operations and forest fuels reduction work. |
Title: Producing Spalted Wood Hide Abstract: In the decorative wood market, spalted wood is in high demand. Spalting is caused by certain white-rot decay fungi growing in wood?primarily hardwoods such as maple, birch, and beech. The fungi create ?zone lines? in the wood where territories of competing fungi meet. The unusual coloration?black, pink, gray, and multicolored streaks?may result from reactions between the wood, the decay fungi, and insect deposits. If these decay fungi are allowed to grow for too long, however, the strength of the wood is diminished. |
Title: Storage of Softwood Logs Hide Abstract: Deterioration affects the value of softwood logs for uses ranging from lumber to pulp chips. Logs should be processed as soon as possible after felling, especially during warm weather. Until they are processed, measures must be taken to maintain log quality. Logs should be brought to a log yard as soon as possible. Storing logs in the forest or on the landing for long periods attracts wood-boring insects and can encourage insect outbreaks. |
Title: Structural Grading of Logs from Small-Diameter Trees Hide Abstract: In the West, millions of acres of forestland have lost ecological integrity because of changes in vegetative structure and composition. Such stands are at significant risk for disease and insect attack, and ultimately at risk for catastrophic wildfire. Especially at risk are those stands containing high levels of fuel loading in Class 3 fire zones (Fig. 1). Finding alternative and higher value uses for thinned material can help pay for mechanical thinning. |
Title: Structural Grading of Logs from Small-Diameter Trees Hide Abstract: In the West, millions of acres of forestland have lost ecological integrity because of changes in vegetative structure and composition. Such stands are at significant risk for disease and insect attack, and ultimately at risk for catastrophic wildfire. Especially at risk are those stands containing high levels of fuel loading in Class 3 fire zones (Fig. 1). Finding alternative and higher value uses for thinned material can help pay for mechanical thinning. |
Title: Wood Biomass for Energy Hide Abstract: Wood fuel has several environmental advantages over fossil fuel. The main advantage is that wood is a renewable resource, offering a sustainable, dependable supply. Other advantages include the fact that the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted during the burning process is typically 90% less than when burning fossil fuel. Wood fuel contains minimal amounts of sulfur and heavy metals. It is not a threat to acid rain pollution, and particulate emissions are controllable. |
Title: Wood-Plastic Composites Hide Abstract: To convert low-value wood resources into high-value products, researchers at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) are combining wood fiber with thermoplastic resin, resulting in wood?plastic composites (WPCs). To optimize composite performance, researchers are exploring material options, investigating processing effects, and improving engineering performance and durability. |
Title: Bandsaw Cracking: Troubleshooting Causes Hide Abstract: Troubleshooting the causes of bandsaw cracking is not a simple matter. An in-depth understanding of sawfiling practices is required for efficient operation and maintenance of bandsaws for sawmilling. Bandsaw cracking can result from one or several factors. The following information and checklist provide a starting point for sawfilers in determining causes of cracking in bandsaws that are 6 in. and wider. |
Title: New Primer Improves Adhesive Bonds Hide Abstract: The Forest Products Laboratory has developed a new primer that improves the bond performance of resorcinol-based adhesives used to glue wood to plastic laminates or preservative-treated timbers. This primer, hydroxy-methylated resorcinol (HMR), also helps enhance the bonding durability of other adhesives, such as one-part polyurethane resins and epoxies, to wood. |
Title: Sawmill Technical Assistance Hide Abstract: Sawmill technical assistance is available from the Technology Marketing Unit (TMU) of the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. Although assistance is generally limited to responding to technical lumber manufacturing inquiries, onsite assistance is considered at the request of your State forest products utilization and marketing specialist. Sawmill layout, design, construction, and other in-depth studies are referred to consultants. |
Title: Blue Stain Hide Abstract: Blue stain is caused by microscopic fungi that commonly infect only the sapwood of trees, using parts of the sapwood (including simple sugars and starches) for food. They cannot grow in heartwood or most wetwood that does not contain the necessary food substances. Blue stain fungi are prone to cause bluish or grayish discoloration of the wood but they do not cause decay. Blue stain has no effect on the strength of the wood. |
Title: Borate Technology Transfer Hide Abstract: Borate-based preservatives are a recent addition to the arsenal of treatments that extend the service life of wood. Because of their low toxicity to humans, borates can also be used indoors and with structural timbers. |
Title: Home Wreckers in Search of Moisture Hide Abstract: Research at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) related to durability and disaster mitigation includes damage by decay fungi and termites and contamination by mold fungi. All these household pests are attracted to excess moisture, which can result from inadequate surface drying of condensation, leaks in pipes and foundations, poor ventila-tion, or flooding. |
Title: Thermal Degradation of Fire-Retardant-Treated Plywood Hide Abstract: Between 1985 and 1995, approximately 750,000 multi-family housing units experienced roofing problems due to fire-retardant-treated (FRT) plywood sheathing failure . The problem is caused by excessive exposure to solar radiation. |
Title: Wood-Plastic Signs Using Western Juniper Hide Abstract: Throughout the 19th century, seemingly endless grasslands covered the Southwest. These grassy savannas were kept in balance largely through wildfires that periodically swept through vast areas. With settlement of the West and the resulting growth in population, an increased demand for meat resulted in rangeland being used as grazing areas for cattle and sheep. Although these grasslands were excellent for this purpose, overgrazing soon became prevalent. At the same time, fire-suppression methods improved. These factors created ideal conditions for the spread of juniper and pinyon and allowed them to encroach on the rangelands, creating millions of acres of small-diameter woodlands. In turn, this encroachment, now estimated at 60 million acres, resulted in a number of ecological problems, including lowering of the water table, reduction of rangeland, severe erosion, and pollution of streams and lakes. Finding an economical use for material from these woodlands may alleviate some of these ecological tensions. |
Title: Wood-Plastic Signs Using Western Juniper Hide Abstract: Throughout the 19th century, seemingly endless grasslands covered the Southwest. These grassy savannas were kept in balance largely through wildfires that periodically swept through vast areas. With settlement of the West and the resulting growth in population, an increased demand for meat resulted in rangeland being used as grazing areas for cattle and sheep. Although these grasslands were excellent for this purpose, overgrazing soon became prevalent. At the same time, fire-suppression methods improved. These factors created ideal conditions for the spread of juniper and pinyon and allowed them to encroach on the rangelands, creating millions of acres of small-diameter woodlands. In turn, this encroachment, now estimated at 60 million acres, resulted in a number of ecological problems, including lowering of the water table, reduction of rangeland, severe erosion, and pollution of streams and lakes. Finding an economical use for material from these woodlands may alleviate some of these ecological tensions. |
Title: Coatings Minimize Leaching From Treated Wood Hide Abstract: Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) is a commercially applied preservative that is widely used to protect wood from attack by decay fungi and insects. CCA-treated wood is commonly sold at lumberyards as -green treated- wood. The target concentrations of chromium, copper, and arsenic in CCA-treated wood depend on its intended use. The most common CCA treatment retention, 6.4 kg/m3 (0.4 lb/ft3), is applied to wood intended for use in contact with the ground. Chromium, copper, and arsenic in CCA-treated wood are bonded to the wood through chemical reactions, but a small percentage of these elements gradually leaches out of the wood over time. People are sometimes concerned about this leaching when CCA-treated wood is used in playground equipment and decks. One way to reduce leaching and alleviate these concerns is by coating the treated wood. |
Title: Environmental Impact of Preservative-Treated Wood Hide Abstract: Preservative-treated wood is a popular building material that is often used near water and other sensitive environments. Research has shown that small amounts of chemicals used in the treating process are released into the environment around structures made of such material (such as highway and foot bridges, wetland boardwalks, and marine piling). Minimizing this release to mitigate potential environmental hazards has been a subject of study at the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), in Madison, Wisconsin. Stan Lebow, a research forest products technologist at FPL, and Kenneth Brooks, owner and principal scientist of Aquatic Environmental Sciences in Port Townsend, Washington, have published several key studies addressing this issue. |
Title: Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives Hide Abstract: The new tropical flower series of postage stamps is totally compatible with recycling-thanks to a cooperative research effort of the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL). |
Title: Structural Use of Red Maple Hide Abstract: Hardwoods are abundant in the northeastern forests of the United States. However, past forestry practices have changed the composition of some forests, resulting in an overabundance of low-valued hardwood species. These low-valued species are preventing regeneration of the historical forest type. Numerous stands of hardwood forests around the Lake States and in the Northeast need active management to restore desired forest types and conditions, including greater biodiversity of trees, plants, and animals. One option is to remove low-valued hardwoods, such as red maple, and reforest with desired species. However, such forest management practices are expensive, and the traditional use for this material, making pallets, does not cover the costs of forest restoration. Therefore, higher valued uses need to be found. |
Title: Water Filtration Mats Using Wood Fiber Hide Abstract: Research at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) has shown that filters made from wood and agricultural fibers can remove heavy metals, oils, phosphates, and pesticides from water. The successful removal of contaminants from a Wisconsin lake using these filters is leading to a number of promising research opportunities. Current demonstration projects include (1) removing pollutants from agricultural runoff in the New York City watersheds, (2) removing heavy metal contaminants from mining site runoff on the Wayne National Forest, (3) adsorbing residual pesticides and phosphates from surface water in the cranberry industry, and (4) removing nitrates and ammonia in recirculated water from fish aquaculture. |
Title: Controlling Moisture in Homes Hide Abstract: low levels of air leakage have increased the potential for moisture problems in homes and other light-frame buildings. Excessive moisture in wall cavities can decay wood if the moisture remains for extended periods at temperatures greater than approximately 50ºF. |
Title: Demand for Engineered Wood Products Hide Abstract: The timber resource in the United States is changing. Available timber is smaller in diameter and lower in quality than in the past; and previously undesirable species are now being used. During 1998, approximately 505 million cubic meters of roundwood was required to produce the wood and fiber products consumed in the United States. This level of consumption, the highest ever reached in the United States, resulted in a rapid and sustained increase in the cost of timber and a shift from solid-sawn to engineered wood products. Following is a discussion of some engineered wood products along with a table showing the types (size and species) of timber used to produce these products. |
Title: Estimating Dry-Kiln Schedules for Hardwoods |
Title: Small-Diameter Round Timber Demonstration Structure Hide Abstract: Throughout the West, our National Forests face increased risk of catastrophic wildfire because of an overabundance of dense, overstocked forest stands. This situation results from more than 50 years of effective fire exclusion. To restore the open, parklike setting that existed in presettlement times, these stands need thinning followed by prescribed fire. Such restoration is expensive, but if we can find economic uses for the thinning material, some of the costs can be offset. The Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) has been exploring the concept of using small-diameter timber for roundwood structures, such as in this covered picnic shelter demonstration structure. |
Title: Clark C. Heritage Memorial Series on Structural Uses of Wood Hide Abstract: The legacy of a wood products pioneer is helping engineers and architects better understand the structural uses of wood. Clark C. Heritage was an early leader in pulp and paperresearch at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL). He also served for many years as the director of wood products for the Weyerhaeuser Company. Heritage died in 1972 andwilled a portion of his estate to the FPL for the purpose of advancing the science of wood utilization. His bequest underwrote a four-volume series of teaching modules calledthe Clark C. Heritage Memorial Series on Wood. The FPL produced the modules in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin–Extension, Madison. |
Title: Melt-Blended Wood Fiber-Thermoplastic Composites Hide Abstract: One area of current research at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) is focused on the use of wood fiber with thermoplastic resin. Thermoplastic resins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride, are resins that soften when heated and harden when cooled. This property allows other materials, such as wood, to be mixed with the plastic to form a composite product. The resulting low-cost composite products have the ability to be easily processed into various shapes and recycled. |
Title: Mold and Mildew on Wood: Causes and Treatment Hide Abstract: Dampness or inadequate ventilation typically results in the growth of mold or mildew on wood surfaces. Mold usually appears as black or greenish-brown patches on surfaces in humid environments. Mildew is a common term used to describe both mold fungi and their discoloration to unfinished wood. Besides causing an unsightly appearance, spores from mold fungi can cause allergies and other health concerns. |
Title: Structural Composite Lumber Hide Abstract: Manufacturers of wood products are facing a challenge: the available resource is declining in size and quality while the demand for higher quality structural wood products is increasing. Structural composite lumber is a family of reconstituted lumber products that can help meet the challenge. It has extremely uniform strength and stiffness properties and is almost warp free. The desired length and width of composite lumber can be economically produced regardless of the size of the trees available. Because many species can be used almost interchangeably, more timber harvested from a single stand can be utilized. The two types of commercially available structural composite lumber are laminated veneer lumber and parallel-strand lumber. |
Title: Biopulping: Technology Learned From Nature That Gives Back to Nature Hide Abstract: Biopulping is the treatment of lignocellulosic materials with natural wood-decay fungi prior to thermomechanical pulping (TMP). The technical and economic feasibility of biopulping was established through two industry-sponsored consortia consisting of the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (FPL); the Universities of Wisconsin and Minnesota; the Energy Center of Wisconsin (ECW); and 22 pulp-and-paper and related companies. Current research includes the use of biopulping technology for kraft pulping of wood and pulping of nonwoody plants. |
Title: Computer Programs for Analyzing Rough Mill Processing Options Hide Abstract: Individuals and companies who make furniture and cabinets are always searching for ways to convert lumber into rough dimension parts more efficiently with less wood waste andlower costs. Researchers with the USDA Northeastern Research Station’s Princeton, West Virginia, Forestry Sciences Laboratory have created two computer programs to help furniture manufacturers become more efficient. Theprograms, ROMI-RIP (ROugh MIll RIP-First Simulator) and ROMI-CROSS (ROugh MIll CROSScut-First Simulator), were designed to help determine the best strategy for obtaining optimal wood utilization. |
Title: Computer Programs for Determining Lumber Grade Mix Hide Abstract: Wood products manufacturers are often faced with the decision of which grade of lumber to use. Should they buy a high grade of lumber that has a lot of usable clear area and high cost? Or should they use a lower grade at a lower cost but requiring a larger volume of lumber? |
Title: Control of decay in waterfront structures Hide Abstract: Wood is one of the most widely used materials for piers and wharves. However, decay of above-water marine structures resulting from inadequate treatment costs marina and dock owners millions of dollars annually. Particularly prone to decay are the heartwood portions of pressure-treated Douglas-fir fender piles and other large structural timbers; decay causes deep checks that penetrate the treated shell. Premature failure is especially serious in fender piles, which protect both the docking vessel and the pier or wharf from impact damage. |
Title: Cubic Measurement Hide Abstract: Foresters and forest product manufacturers have recognized the need for a universal unit of measurement in wood and wood products since the 1920s. They depend on measurements to quantify how much timber there is, how fast it is growing, how much is to be harvested or left behind, and how efficiently it can be utilized. Yet, most work is carried out using an outdated, inconsistent, and inaccurate unit of measure-the board foot. |
Title: Durability of Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood Hide Abstract: Chemicals used in fire-retardant treatments are thermally stable for short periods at temperatures up to 330°F (150°C). However, recent Forest Products Laboratory research showed that for extended exposure, the limit of thermal stability for fire-retardant-treated material may be closer to 130 to 150°F (54 to 66°C). These findings will be reflected in future editions of references such as the Wood Handbook. |
Title: Effect of Climate on Durability of Wood Hide Abstract: Climate has an important bearing on the relative rate of wood decay and thus the expected service life of wood exposed to the weather. Researchers at the Forest Products Laboratory have devised a climate index map to predict relative decay hazard regions in the United States. |
Title: Effects of Fire-Retardant Treatments on Wood Strength at Elevated Temperatures Hide Abstract: Fire-retardant-treated plywood can substitute for noncombustible materials in some structures. However, some commercial fire-retardant treatments have weakened plywood used as roof sheathing. The combination of chemicals, moisture, and elevated roof temperatures caused by solar radiation can prematurely activate some fire retardants, causing the plywood to darken, become brittle, check across the grain, and crumble easily. Such deterioration has been found most often in the eastern United States in post-1980 commercial buildings and multifamily dwellings built without parapet walls. |
Title: Effects of Waterborne Preservative Treatment on Wood Strength Hide Abstract: Waterborne preservative treatment of wood produces a clean, odor-free, paintable/stainable product. Yet, waterborne preservatives can reduce wood strength. Several key factors, such as preservative chemical, redrying temperature, and incising affect the extent of this impact. |
Title: Eradicating Decay in Exterior Timbers |
Title: Hardwoods for Structural Lumber Hide Abstract: For many years, the primary source of lumber for residential, commercial, and industrial construction has been softwood species. Hardwoods have commonly been used for higher valued products such as furniture and cabinetry. In today’s forests, lower quality hardwoods not well suited for these demanding uses are abundant. This timber resource appears suited for structural application and may be economically competitive with softwoods in the structural lumber market. |
Title: Immunodiagnostic Wood Decay Test Hide Abstract: Billions of dollars are spent annually to replace wood products destroyed by wood decay fungi. A large percentage of this loss is incurred by consumers. Researchers at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) recently developed a new testing procedure, the immunodiagnostic wood decay test, that detects decay fungi in wood prior to any visible damage. Other than culturing and microscopic observation, no other reliable methods are currently available for early detection of decay in structures. Earlier detection of the presence of wood decay fungi will prolong the service life of wood by preventing unnecessary replacement and will ensure that all infected wood can be replaced or remedially treated to prevent recurrence of decay. |
Title: On-Site Protection of Structures Hide Abstract: Research at the Forest Products Laboratory has demonstrated that the service life of exterior wood not in contact with the ground can be extended for many years by surface application of a wood preservative. Brushing or brief immersion of wood in a preservative protected Douglas-fir decking for more than 20 years. |
Title: Properties of Juvenile Wood Hide Abstract: In its first years of growth, a tree produces juvenile wood, a zone of wood extending outward from the pith. During this early growth period, the characteristics of the wood produced from year to year in each successive growth ring change markedly. During a - transition - period from 5 to 20 years of age, characteristics of the wood produced gradually improve until they become relatively constant. This material is known as mature wood. |
Title: Protecting Wood From Humidity Hide Abstract: Indoors or out, wood is affected by moisture. Wood swells when it gets wet and shrinks as it dries, whether the moisture is liquid water (like rain or dew) or water vapor in the form of high humidity. However, wood coated with the proper finishes will be affected less than wood left unfinished. |
Title: Strength of Visually Graded Structural Lumber Hide Abstract: Procedures for assigning allowable strength properties to visually graded lumber were initially established about 50 years ago. They involve testing small pieces of defect-free wood and then modifying the resulting strength estimates. Adjustments are made for knot size and other naturally occurring growth characteristics and for such factors as moisture content, duration of anticipated load, and manufacture and use considerations. This procedure has served the public well over the years. However, modern wood structures are being engineered more precisely and better estimates of structural lumber strength are required. |
Title: Tropical Timbers of the World Hide Abstract: Tropical timbers are now an established part of the U.S. marketplace. Since the early 1960s, U.S. tropical lumber imports increased fourfold, and plywood imports (primarily from Asian sources) soared fortyfold, to the point where plywood imports equal domestic production. By contrast, log imports decreased drastically, from 100 million board feet (450,000 m³)(log scale) in the 1950s to 14 million (63,000 m³) in 1987. Much of the world timber trade is now processed material. |
Title: Using Dead Alaska Yellow-Cedar Hide Abstract: Yellow-cedar trees have been dying on more than 500,000 acres of forest in southeastern Alaska since the 1880s. Trees dead for up to 100 years stand as snags and appear to have sound wood in some stands. Yellow-cedar cut from live trees is an important and valuable species in Alaska, while dead snags are currently used mainly for firewood. There is considerable interest in removing these snags to improve forest health, but this is not economically feasible unless higher value uses can be found. The first step towards finding a higher value use is to determine the mechanical properties of the dead snags compared to the live trees. |
Title: Wood Frame House Construction Hide Abstract: Agriculture Handbook 73, Wood Frame House Construction, presents sound principles for homebuilding and guidelines for selecting materials that provide long service. As a construction guide, the manual discusses sound building practices for experienced builders, apprentices, and do-it-yourselfers. As a textbook, it provides basic information to the student. As a standard, it provides a basis for judging the quality of residential construction. Since its first edition in 1955, this manual has been the authoritative guide for wood-frame house construction. |
Title: Wood in Transportation Hide Abstract: The Wood In Transportation (WIT) program seeks to improve rural transportation networks and revitalize rural economies by encouraging the effective the use of wood for bridge construction. Since the beginning of the program in 1989, 375 vehicular and pedestrian timber bridges and 76 special projects have been funded in 48 states. |