Radially sawn timber—the Primwood Method for improved properties

A new manufacturing system, the PrimWood Method, has been proposed to improve the utilization of wood. A basic concept within this method is the sawing pattern called star-sawing, which produces timber with both rectangular and triangular cross sections. This method facilitates an efficient production of radially sawn timber with vertical annual rings, without juvenile wood. The sawn timber produced in the PrimWood Method is used to produce high quality, knot-free solid wood panels with vertical annual rings. In this process, part of the timber is finger-jointed to form knot-free lengths which are glued together into a block. This block can then be divided according to thickness into thinner panels with vertical annual rings. The PrimWood Method has been tested in an industrial plant. The manufacturing system was designed for a sawing capacity of about 30,000 m³ logs, which corresponds to 16,800 m³ of star-sawn timber per shift per annum. The production of solid wood panel was then designed to give a volume of 5,800 m³ per annum.     

Radially sawn timber. Gluing of star-sawn triangular profiles into form-stable products with vertical annual rings

Pinus silvestris L. ) into form-stable wood products with vertical annual rings. The triangular profiles are free from pith and from most of the juvenile wood. The method is based on dried and conditioned triangular profiles. Undesired defects are removed and the wood is finger-jointed into long lengths. In the finger-jointing, consideration is given to the appearance and annual ring orientation of the jointed materials. After the jointing, the triangular profiles are planed and glued into rectangular blocks with vertical annual rings. These blocks can then e.g. be used as construction beams or be sawn up into solid wood panels.  A pilot plant has been built for the manufacture of knot-free solid wood panels based on the proposed method. Results show a total volume yield of 53.8%. Three critical production stages can be distinguished: removal of knots and defects, planing, and division of blocks into boards. These three operations are together responsible for more than 93% of the total losses in the manufacture. The removal of knots and defects meant a volume loss of 12.8%. 13% of the manufactured units were 2.1 m long without finger-jointing and free from knots and other defects. The average length of the remaining pieces used for finger-jointed units was 0.41 m.

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Mechanical properties of sawn timber from Norway spruce

Picea abies ) of three different cross sectional sizes: 38×89 mm², 38×140 mm², and 38×184 mm². Specific material characteristics for the lumber are presented. The tests also enabled comparison between results from two testing methodologies. The mean value for the modulus of elasticity established from the dynamic tests was found to be approximately 10% higher than the corresponding value established from static tests. The statistical correlation between statically and dynamically established moduli is very strong. The dynamic E modulus was found to be as good a strength predictor as the static E modulus. Cross sectional size and the existence of the pith in the sawn lumber were found to significantly influence the material properties. In general terms, it was found that deeper beams correspond to lower values for the E modulus and for the bending strength. The reason for this tendency is believed to be a combination of a volumetric effect (in the case of strength) and a phenomenon related to the log selection and sawing process in the mills. Lumber that comprises the pith has been found to have generally lower values of the E modulus and bending strength while the shear modulus is higher, compared to lumber without pith sawn further out in the log.

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Picea abies ) wurden dynamische und statische Prüfungen vorgenommen. Die Proben hatten drei verschiedene Querschnitte: 38×89 mm², 38×140 mm² und 38×184 mm². Anhand der vorgelegten Ergebnisse wurden auch zwei Prüfmethoden verglichen. Die Mittelwerte der dynamischen MOE-Prüfung lagen etwa 10% h?her als die statisch ermittelten Werte. Die Korrelation beider MOE-Werte ist sehr streng. Beide Werte k?nnen zur Vorhersage der Festigkeit verwendet werden. Der Querschnitt und die Anwesenheit von Markanteilen beeinflussen das Ergebnis wesentlich. Je tiefer die Balken waren d.h. je n?her sie der Markr?hre lagen, desto geringer waren E-Modul und Biegefestigkeit. Die Gründe dafür werden teils einem Volumeneffekt zugeschrieben (im Falle der Festigkeit), teils auf das Auswahlverfahren der St?mme im S?gebetrieb zurückgeführt. Schnittholz mit Markanteil hatte allgemein. einen geringeren E-Modul und niedrigere Biegefestigkeit als Proben aus ?u?eren Stammbereichen; die Scherfestigkeit lag dagegen h?her.

     

Deflections in sawn timber beams with stochastic properties

A stochastic model is proposed to study the behavior of structural sawn beams of Argentinean Eucalyptus grandis with the aim of improving the predictability of the elastic deformations. The enhancement of the mid-span deflection calculation is based on a probabilistic model of the Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and the representation of its lengthwise variability through a random field. The standard model that uses a MOE variable assumed random from piece to piece but deterministic (constant) within each piece is obtained as a particular case. In order to obtain a statistical representation of the MOE, the Principle of Maximum Entropy (PME) is employed. Experimental data obtained from bending tests are employed to find the parameters of the derived Probability Density Function (PDF). The PDF of the mid-span deformations is numerically obtained through the Stochastic Finite Element Method (SFEM) and Monte Carlo Simulations (MCS). Numerical results are validated with experimental values. Deflections of structural sized beams under usual loads are obtained. Finally, the stochastic model is used to compare with the serviceability requirements established in the Argentinean design code. It is shown that the structural performance of timber beams is found through a more realistic material approach.     

Modelling local bending stiffness based on fibre orientation in sawn timber

Strength of structural timber depends to a high degree on the occurrence of knots and on the local fibre deviation around such defects. Knowledge of local fibre orientation, obtained by laser scanning, has been utilized in a previously developed machine strength grading method, but rather crude assumptions regarding the fibre orientation in the interior of boards and a mechanical model that does not capture the full compliance of knotty sections were adopted. The purpose of the present study was to suggest and verify a model with which local bending stiffness can be predicted with high accuracy. This study included development of a model of fibre orientation in the interior of boards, and application of a three-dimensional finite element model that is able to capture the compliance of the board. Verification included bending of boards in the laboratory and application of digital image correlation to obtain strain fields comparable to those obtained by finite element simulation. Results presented comprise strain fields of boards subjected to bending and calculated bending stiffness profiles along boards. Comparisons of results indicated that the model suggested here was sufficient to capture the variation of local bending stiffness along boards with very high accuracy.     

Correspondences between manually estimated compression wood in Norway spruce and the warp of the sawn timber

Picea abies L.) and the warping of the sawn timber in terms of bow, spring and twist as well as further deformation after ripping of the dried products. The amount of compression wood was defined and measured on logs according to the methods of the Swedish Timber Measurement Council (Regulations for measuring of round wood) and on the sawn timber according to the Nordic Timber. The impact of two different drying schedules was also investigated. The study shows that visible compression wood in both the butt end of the log and within the sawn timber was a rather poor indicator of the warp of the dried sawn timber. In no comparison did the correlation coefficient, r, exceed 0.3. In contrast to this, the correlation between the amount of compression wood and the warp of secondary products was fair, r = 0.79. This means that it should be possible to identify sawn timber less suitable for secondary processing by the amount of compression wood. The corresponding correlation between compression wood in the butt end of the log and the warp of the secondary products was r = 0.46. No significant differences could be shown in the degree of warp, as related to compression wood, between sawn timber or secondary products, dried at a wet-bulb temperature of 55 °C/117 h, LT-schedule, and a dry-bulb temperature of 110 °C/24 h, HT-schedule, respectively.

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r  = 0,79). Es sollte also m?glich sein, weniger geeignete Schnittware anhand ihres Druckholzanteils auszusortieren. Die Korrelation zwischen Druckholzanteil am Stammende und der Verwerfung im Schnittholz betrug 0,46. Für das Ausma? der Verformungen wurde kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den beiden Tocknungsbedingungen (55 °C/117 h und 110 °C/24 h) gefunden.

     

Growth rate as a predictor of density and mechanical quality of sawn timber from fast growing species

Mechanical quality of structural timber (50×150×3200 mm) is assessed by means of growth rates in different softwoods (Pinus radiata, P. pinaster, P. sylvestris), most of them fast grown species, and hardwoods (Populus sp. andEucalyptus globulus) grown in Spain. The utility of using average density instead of average growth rate is also assessed. Growth rate did not appreciably influence the density and bending properties of timber, and so its utility as predictor of the mechanical quality of timber is very low.     

Modeling the longitudinal variation of sawn timber grades in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)

Grades derived from visual assessments of sawn timber are determined by the worst part of each piece. Since grade varies longitudinally in timber, grade yield will decrease if the average length of timber increases. The variation in grade is caused by longitudinal variation in knot properties and other features as they appear on the sawn surface taken into account during grading. The objective of this study is to describe and analyze this variation in Picea abies. The study consisting of 768 boards for which all features that could lead to downgrading were recorded noting position, type and size. Based on this information, all boards were graded according to appearance by Nordic Timber, and strength by INSTA 142. Logistic regression models of grade as a function of position in the stem were developed, and the dependence between responses was taken into consideration by using General Estimating Equations (GEE). The models showed a decreasing trend in grade from the butt end toward the top end of the trees, and the effect was more pronounced in strength grading than in appearance grading. Models with binomial response and different correlation structures were tested, and it was shown that both independent and autoregressive correlation structures could be used. This suggests that a multinomial ordinal logistic regression with a GEE-approach with an independent correlation structure is appropriate for modeling grade in this study.     

Modeling the effect of length on yield of sawn timber grades in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)

The aim of the study was to model and analyse the effect of length on grade yield of timber from different stem parts in Picea abies, and to use the models to simulate the cost of reduced grade yield due to increased length. The boards were simulated having lengths ranging from 20 to 60 dm starting at stump level, 4 m above stump level and 8 m above stump level, respectively. Logistic regression models showed that length had a significant effect on grade yield, and this length effect was stronger in strength grading according to INSTA 142 (IN) compared to appearance grading according to Nordic Timber (NT). The length effect was most pronounced in butt logs, and somewhat greater in middle logs compared to top logs. Also a smaller length effect in inner boards compared to boards farther from the pith was found for IN-grading. The cost of the decrease in grade yield with increasing length will depend on the assumptions about the price gap between the grades. Current market prices in both grading rules gave a decrease in value of the sawn timber in stock by about 6% with an increase in the log length from 45 to 60 dm. In addition, a decrease in yield of timber in longer logs will amplify this effect, while a higher efficiency in the production process will diminish it.     

Modulus of elasticity of I-214 young poplar wood from standing trees to sawn timber: influence of the age and stand density

The poplar wood industry chain from planted forests takes a strategic position for the creation of a competitive, profitable, and highly technological bioeconomy in the world. Niche sectors such as buildings can find in poplar wood an effective ally to reduce its carbon footprint and ecological backpack. For the poplar wood, it is important to understand the huge significance of the proper silvicultural management of a plantation and to characterize the raw material. In this context, this paper carries out such characterization for the particular case of young plantations of the clone I-214 (Populus × euroamericana (Dode) Guinier), commonly used for its high growth rate. The acoustic non-destructive characterization of poplar wood is carried out from standing trees, logs and sawn timber and then compared with the one obtained through destructive mechanical tests. The study shows that growth parameters are highly affected by the age and moderately affected by stand density, while mechanical properties are strongly affected by the age and less affected by the stand density. The study also shows high values of the linear regression coefficients between the mechanical properties obtained on standing trees, logs, and sawn timber using non-destructive and destructive methods (R²?=?0.7 for all three cases), greater than those obtained for other species. A good linear fitting was obtained between the tree and log velocities (R²?=?0.76) and between the tree and log elastic moduli (R²?=?0.85). Consequently, the evaluation of the mechanical properties employing the optimized acoustic protocol provides a reliable characterization for the poplar wood.

     

Study of the relationship between flatwise and edgewise modull of elasticity of sawn timber as a means to improve mechanical strength grading technology

In most of the strength grading machines for sawn timber, the flatwise bending modulus of elasticity (MOE) of timber pieces is measured. Employing regression functions, their edgewise MOE is estimated on the basis of the flatwise MOE and the edgewise bending strength of the weakest part of each piece is calculated to allocate each piece to a standardised strength class. With regard to improvements in the accuracy of timber strength grading machines, it was studied to which extent structural wood characteristics and grading parameters affect the relationship between flatwise and edgewise bending MOE. Edgewise and flatwise MOE have been determined both in knotty and in knot-free sections of boards of Norway spruce. The flatwise MOE was determined in a three-point bending test as it is typically employed in strength graders. The edgewise MOE was determined in a four-point bending test. Additionlly, the MOE and density distributions over the timber cross sections were determined to model the total MOE under consideration of these distribution patterns. Shear deformation accounts for a substantial portion of the difference between flatwise and edgewise MOE. The effect of knots on the MOE could not be defined precisely. Growth ring structure and juvenile wood in the boards lead to 5 to 10% lower flatwise MOE values as compared to the edgewise MOE.     

Solar drying of sawn lumber in Spain

A solar heated experimental drying kiln was installed in Madrid (INIA-Forest Industries Department) to study the efficiency of solar drying of sawn lumber in Spain, as compared with normal air drying. The kiln has been designed as a low cost semi-greenhouse type, but was equipped with a semi-automated control of the drying schedules. The performance of the solar kiln has been studied during ten test runs over a period of two years particularly with respect to drying rate, initial and final wood MC, reliability and efficiency. The results have proven that the solar kiln is capable of drying (economically) from an initial moisture content of 70 to 80%, to a final MC of 8 to 10% up to 3.5 times faster than air drying. With respect to checks, splits and internal stresses, the final wood quality is mostly better, not only compared to normal air drying but also to conventional kiln drying.     

Shear strength of glued laminated timber made from European beech timber

This paper describes an investigation into the shear strength of glued laminated timber (GLT) made from European beech. Special consideration was paid to the possible strength influence of a frequently occurring discolouration of the timber, termed red heartwood, which is inherent to the species. The beech lamellae were visually graded according to German hardwood grading standard DIN?4074-5. Grade LS13, conforming to European hardwood strength class D40, was split into two sub-grades LS13? and LS13+. Additionally, modulus of elasticity (MOE) was determined by ultrasound pulse, longitudinal vibration and static tension tests. Sub-grade LS13+ showed a mean density and MOE of 690 kg/m³ and 14,800 N/mm², respectively. The GLT shear strength was evaluated by means of four-point bending tests on structural sized I-shaped beams with a depth of 0.6?m and a span to depth ratio of 5:1. The slightly inhomogeneous build-up of the cross-section conformed to glulam strength class GL42c. Two beam samples were investigated, each with seven specimens, where one grouping had no red heartwood and the other with a high red heartwood in the web laminations. Additionally block shear tests on bond line strength were performed with standardized small specimens according to EN?392. Neither the beam shear capacity tests nor the bond line block shear tests revealed an influence of the red heartwood discolouration on strength. The fifth-percentile value of shear strength of all beams was 3.5?N/mm². The results of the block shear tests indicate that the present requirements on minimum block shear strength are set too low in the European standard EN 386 with regard to beech GLT.