Banner for LabNotes
From Lab Notes
Contact Information
Forest Products Laboratory
One Gifford Pinchot Drive
Madison, WI 53726-2398
Phone: (608) 231-9200
Fax: (608) 231-9592
Email

 

You are here: FPL Home  / Information  / Employees Directory  / Profile

Christopher Adam Senalik
Christopher Adam Senalik

Christopher Adam Senalik

Engineering Properties of Wood, Wood Based Materials and Structures
Unit: FPL-4714
Research General Engineer
One Gifford Pinchot Drive
Madison, WI
United States
53726

Phone: 608-231-9309
christopher.a.senalik@usda.gov

Current Research

Evaluating new nondestructive-evaluation methodologies for assessment of covered timber bridges.Remote monitoring of geotextile reinforced soil integrated bridge systemsEvaluation of new, lightweight bridge superstructures for covered timber bridges.


Research Interest

Nondestructive evaluation of structures.Material characterization.


Past Research

Acousto-Ultrasonic Inspection and Finite Difference Time Domain SimulationDetection and Assessment of Wood Decay – Glulam Beams and Wooden Utility Poles


Research Importance

Infrastructure of the Unites States is of grave concern. Nondestructive evaluation allows for assessment of our roads, bridges, utility poles, and other structures without changing their condition. Better evaluation tools allow engineers to make more informed decisions regarding where to spend limited funds to best meet demands.Beyond repair and maintenance, new bridge superstructure designs for bridges can potentially increase the load capacity of exisiting bridges. In this way, we can enjoy the beauty of our historic timber bridges, and insure they are up to the task of supporting modern vehicles and traffic loads.


Professional Experience

  • Research General Engineer, Forest Products Laboratory 2013 - Current Testing and analysis of experimental lightweight sawn timber and glue laminated (glulam) bridge decks. Evaluating the effectiveness of nondestructive testing tools traditionally used on concrete and steel to assess wood structure.
  • Project Advisor, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 2013 - 2013 Project advisor for the design group which designed a countertop ironing board which reduced production cost by over 45%.
  • Teaching Assistant, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 2006 - 2012 Provided instruction in the areas of control systems, statistical analysis, and instrumentation and testing of material properties.
  • Forensic Engineer, Ruhl Forensic, Inc. 1998 - 2005 Responded 24/7/365 for forensic inspections nationwide. Provided results of findings as reports and courtroom testimony.
  • Project Advisor, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 2001 - 2001 Project advisor for design group with designed new in-line industrial water gun which reused over 30% of parts from their existing production lines.
  • Research Assistant, U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Lab, Champaign, IL 1997 - 1999 Constructed test plan for experimental water abatement systems.

Below are the 35 US Forest Service publications sorted by year. You may re-sort the list by: Title, Date Posted, Category, Publication or Year.

Publication Year: 2021
 
Title: Calculating strength ratio and grade quality index of dimensional lumber using ASTM D4761 and ASTM D245
Source: FS GTR
Author(s) Farber, Benjamin; Senalik, Christopher Adam
Year: 2021   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Commercial lumber, round timbers, and ties
Source: Chapter 6 in FPL-GTR-282
Author(s) Senalik, Christopher Adam; Farber, Benjamin
Year: 2021   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Mechanical properties of wood
Source: Chapter 5 in FPL-GTR-282
Author(s) Senalik, Christopher Adam; Farber, Benjamin
Year: 2021   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Mechanical properties of wood-based composite materials
Source: Chapter 12 in FPL-GTR-282
Author(s) Cai, Zhiyong; Senalik, Christopher Adam; Ross, Robert
Year: 2021   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Stress grades and design properties for lumber, round timber, and ties
Source: Chapter 7 in FPL-GTR-282
Author(s) Senalik, Christopher Adam; Farber, Benjamin
Year: 2021   view abstract, download publication »
Publication Year: 2020
 
Title: Effects of Decay on Perpendicular-to-Grain Properties of Wood: Phase 2—Effects of Incipient Decay on Strength Properties of Solid and Laminated Wood Materials
Source: FPL Research in Progress
Author(s) Senalik, Christopher Adam; Shmulsky, Rubin
Year: 2020   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Ground-Penetrating Radar Investigation of Salvaged Timber Girders from Bridges Along Route 66 in California
Source: Wood and Fiber Science
Author(s) Wu, Xi ; Senalik, Christopher Adam; Wacker, James P.; Wang, Xiping ; Li, Guanghui
Year: 2020   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Methods for Nondestructive Testing of Urban Trees
Source: Forests
Author(s) Allison, Richard Bruce; Wang, Xiping ; Senalik, Christopher A.
Year: 2020   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Nondestructive evaluation of the tensile properties of structural lumber from the spruce-pine-fir species grouping: relationship between grain angle and energy loss
Source: Res. Note. FPL-RN-0382. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 14 p.
Author(s) As, Nusret ; Senalik, C. Adam; Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping
Year: 2020   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Nondestructive evaluation of the tensile properties of structural lumber from the spruce-pine-fir species grouping: relationship between modulus of elasticity and ultimate tension stress
Source: Res. Note FPL-RN-0383. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 14 p.
Author(s) As, Nusret ; Senalik, C. Adam; Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping ; Farber, Benjamin
Year: 2020   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Object detection of ground-penetrating radar signals using empirical mode decomposition and dynamic time warping
Source: Forests. 11(2): 230
Author(s) Wu, Xi ; Senalik, Christopher Adam; Wacker, James ; Wang, Xiping ; Li, Guanghui
Year: 2020   view abstract, download publication »
Publication Year: 2019
 
Title: Comparing idealized acoustic wave behavior to that observed in clear wood and lumber
Source: In: Wang, X.; Sauter, U.H.; Ross, R.J., eds. Proceedings: 21st International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium. General Technical Report FPL-GTR-272. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory: 194-203.
Author(s) Franca, Frederico ; Senalik, C. Adam; Seale, R. Daniel; Ross, Robert R.; Shmulsky, Rubin
Year: 2019   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Demonstration smart timber bridge – glulam timber bridge on geo-synthetic reinforced soil (GRS) abutments
Source: In: Chen, G.; Alampalli, S. (eds.). Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Structural Health Monitoring of Intelligent Infrastructure. Rolla, MO: Missouri University of Science and Technology.
Author(s) Hosteng, T.K. ; Wacker, J.P. ; Senalik, C.A. ; Wipf, T.J.
Year: 2019   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Identifying incipient decay in Douglas-fir bridge components using x-ray computerized tomography
Source: In: Wang, X.; Sauter, U.H.; Ross, R.J., eds. 2019. Proceedings: 21st International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium. General Technical Report FPL-GTR-272. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory: 62-70.
Author(s) Senalik, Christopher Adam; Wacker, James ; Wang, Xiping ; Wu, Xi
Year: 2019   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Nondestructive evaluation of tensile properties of structural lumber from the spruce-pine-fir species grouping: phase 1 evaluation of modulus of elasticity
Source: In: Wang, X.; Sauter, U.H.; Ross, R.J., eds. 2019. Proceedings: 21st International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium. General Technical Report FPL-GTR-272. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. pp 250-261.
Author(s) As, Nusret ; Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping ; Senalik, Christopher Adam.
Year: 2019   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Using ground penetrating radar to classify features within structural timbers
Source: In: Wang, X.; Sauter, U.H.; Ross, R.J., eds. 2019. Proceedings: 21st International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium. General Technical Report FPL-GTR-272. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. pp 502-510.
Author(s) Wu, Xi; Senalik, Christopher Adam; Wacker, James ; Wang, Xiping ; Li, Guanghui
Year: 2019   view abstract, download publication »
Publication Year: 2018
 
Title: Evaluation of creep performance of structural insulated panels (SIPs): phase 2
Source: Res. Paper FPL-RP-697. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory: 1-14.
Author(s) McDonald, Dwight E.; Begel, Marshall ; Senalik, C. Adam; Williamson, Thomas
Year: 2018   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Nondestructive assessment of wood members in a viewing tower in Potawatomi State Park, Door County, Wisconsin, USA
Source: Res. Note FPL-RN-0366. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 1-14.
Author(s) Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping ; Senalik, C. Adam.
Year: 2018   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Residential tornado safe room from commodity wood products – impact and wind pressure testing
Source: Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-254. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 1-21.
Author(s) Falk, Robert H.; Bridwell, James J.; Senalik, C. Adam; Begel, Marshall
Year: 2018   view abstract, download publication »
Publication Year: 2017
 
Title: Accelerated aging of preservative-treated structural plywood
Source: Research Paper, FPL–RP–691. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 17 p.
Author(s) Senalik, C. Adam; Ross, Robert J.; Zelinka, Samuel L.; Lebow, Stan T.; Cai, Zhiyong
Year: 2017   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Assessing ability of ground-penetrating radar to detect internal moisture and fungal decay in Douglas-fir beams
Source: In: Wang, X.; Senalik, C.A.; Ross, R.J., eds. Proceedings, 20th international nondestructive testing and evaluation of wood symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-249. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory: 286-300.
Author(s) Senalik, C. Adam; Wacker, James P.; Wang, Xiping ; Rodrigues, Brunella Pollastrelli; Jalinoos, Frank
Year: 2017   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Assessment of deterioration in timbers with time and frequency domain analysis techniques
Source: In: Wang, X.; Senalik, C.A.; Ross, R.J., eds. Proceedings, 20th international nondestructive testing and evaluation of wood symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-249. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory: 298-310.
Author(s) Senalik, C. Adam; Zhou, Lujing ; Ross, Robert J.
Year: 2017   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Blast-resistant testing for loaded mass timber structures
Source: fplrip-4714-033-WoodWorks-Senalik-Podesto. 2 p.
Author(s) Senalik, Christopher (Adam); Podesto, Lisa
Year: 2017   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Nondestructive assessment of wood members from a historic viewing tower
Source: Res. Note. FPL—RN—0349. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 1-10.
Author(s) Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping; Senalik, C. Adam; Allison, R. Bruce; Zhou, Lujing
Year: 2017   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Proceedings, 20th international nondestructive testing and evaluation of wood symposium
Source: Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-249. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 2-539.
Author(s) Wang, Xiping; Senalik, C. Adam; Ross, Robert J.
Year: 2017   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Smart timber bridge on geosynthetic reinforced soil (GRS) abutments
Source: In: Proceedings, ICTB 2017, 3rd international Conference on timber bridges 2017. Skellefteĺ, Sweden. 11 p.
Author(s) Senalik, Adam; Wacker, James P.; Hosteng, Travis K.; Hermanson, John
Year: 2017   view abstract, download publication »
Publication Year: 2016
 
Title: Assessing the Ability of Ground-Penetrating Radar to Detect Fungal Decay in Douglas-Fir Beams
Source: 25th Research Symposium, New Orleans (110-116). Columbus, OH: American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Inc. 7 p.
Author(s) Senalik, Christopher Adam; Wacker, James; Wang, Xiping; Jalinoos, F.
Year: 2016   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Effectiveness of Several NDE Technologies in Detecting Moisture Pockets and: Artificial Defects in Sawn Timber and Glulam
Source: 
Author(s) Wacker, James P.; Senalik, Christopher Adam; Wang, Xiping; Jalinoos, Frank
Year: 2016   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Effects of cedar oil and silica gel treatment on dimensional stability and mechanical properties of Southern Yellow Pine boards
Source: FPL-RN-0339. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory.
Author(s) Wang, Xiping; Senalik, Christopher Adam; Ross, Robert; Bennett, Neal; Conner, Debbie
Year: 2016   view abstract, download publication »
Publication Year: 2015
 
Title: Predicting Plywood Properties with Wood-based Composite Models
Source: In: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-239, 2015 Proceedings: 19th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium. 7 p.
Author(s) Senalik, Christopher Adam; Ross, Robert J.
Year: 2015   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Ultrasound Transmission Times in Biologically Deteriorated Wood
Source: In: Proceedings: 19th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium. 14 p.
Author(s) Senalik, Christopher Adam; Ross, Robert J.; DeGroot, Rodney
Year: 2015   view abstract, download publication »
Publication Year: 2014
 
Title: Creep Behavior of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS): Results from a Pilot Study
Source: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Research Note, FPL-RN-0332, 2014; 16 p.
Author(s) McDonald, Dwight, E..; Begel, Marshall; Senalik, C. Adam; Ross, Robert; Skaggs, Thomas D.; Yeh, Borjen; Williamson, Thomas
Year: 2014   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Ultrasonic-Based Nondestructive Evaluation Methods for Wood: A Primer and Historical Review
Source: USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-235, 2014; 36 p.
Author(s) Senalik, Adam C.; Schueneman, Greg; Ross, Robert J.
Year: 2014   view abstract, download publication »
Publication Year: 2013
 
Title: Detection and Assessment of Wood Decay in Glulam Beams Using a Decay Rate Approach: A Review
Source: In: Proceedings of the 18th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium, USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-226, 2013; pp. 572-575.
Author(s) Senalik, C. Adam
Year: 2013   view abstract, download publication »
Title: Effect of Decay on Ultrasonic Velocity and Attenuation Measurements in Wood
Source: MATERIALS EVALUATION, OCTOBER 2013, pp. 1217-1231
Author(s) McGovern, Megan; Senalik, Adam; Chen, George; Beall, Frank C.; Reis, Henrique
Year: 2013   view abstract, download publication »
 
Publication Year: 2019
Potawatomi State Park observation tower. USDA Forest Service
Highlight ID: 1326		Nondestructive Assessment of Wood Members in a Viewing Tower in Potawatomi State Park, Door County, Wisconsin, USA

The condition of a historic observation tower was assessed to determine if it could be enjoyed safely. ...
 
Publication Year: 2018
All three structures remained standing after the testing – even tests designed to take the structures well beyond their design intent. WoodWorks – Wood Products Council
Highlight ID: 1318		Blast-Resistant Testing for Loaded Mass Timber Structures

The ability of cross laminated timbers to resist nearby detonations is verified through blast testing. ...
 
Publication Year: 2017
Assembled Commodity Wood Tornado Safe Room.
Highlight ID: 1280		A residential tornado safe room from commodity wood products

Forest Service researchers designed a tornado safe room to be constructed from commodity wood building products and adaptable to existing homes. ...
Researcher Xiping Wang inspects field exposed specimens with ground penetrating radar.
Highlight ID: 1285		Assessing the ability of ground-penetrating radar to detect internal moisture and fungal decay

Internal moisture and fungal decay are detected in structural bridge members using ground penetrating radar for faster evaluation of timber bridges. ...
The Catt Bridge is located in Buchanan County, Iowa, and is supported by GRS abutments and equipped with a smart bridge system.
Highlight ID: 1281		Smart timber bridge on geo-synthetic reinforced soil abutments

Forest Service researchers partnered in the construction and monitoring of an innovative bridge abutment system, developed to be lower cost and faster to construct with improved performance and durability as compared to other abutments. In addition, ...
 
Publication Year: 2016
A new, portable tree testing tool for determining the hazard potential of urban trees. R. Bruce Allison, Allison Tree Care, Inc.
Highlight ID: 655		Scientists Develop New Tool to Detect Internal Decay in Trees

Through collaboration with an industrial partner, the Forest Service's Forest Products Laboratory helped develop a handheld tool to assist tree inspectors with detecting internal decay in standing trees. ...
TitleDate Posted
Salvaging an American Icon with Ground-Penetrating Radar

Two Route 66 signs on the road at California Mojave desert highway – By AR Pictures Imagine being able to look straight into a wood beam and know its structural integrity. It’s almost like a super power, except its really just amazing science—science that Forest Products Laboratory (FPL...

04-14-2020
2015 Director's Awards Presented

Michael T. Rains, Director of the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) and Northern Research Station (NRS), today presented the 2015 Director’s Awards to 10 exceptional employees furthering scientific advancement at the two research facilities. Rains praised the honorees for their impacts and contribu...

05-27-2015
Senalik_3011Ultrasonic Based Nondestructive Evaluation Methods for Wood:

With the recent compilation of 50 years of the NDT International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium Series, the recently published Ultrasonic Based Nondestructive Evaluation Methods for Wood: A Primer and Historical Review examines how the nondestructive testing of wood in all o...

12-19-2014