The Challenge of Strength Grading UK Hardwoods

Cramer, Marlene

Abstract

Recent research in Europe is bringing a wider range of wood species to the construction market as structural timber and glue laminated products. This option would also open markets for currently underused UK species, foremost hardwoods, but testing efforts when developing strength grading assignments for any minor UK species are prohibitive, as the resource is small and scattered. Grading approaches that require less material for destructive testing could be employed to open routes to market for structural hardwood products. In addition, the European hardwood research has revealed some gaps and uncertainties in grading standards. In particular, data are lacking to support adjustment equations for size, moisture content, and testing arrangement for hardwoods. This paper outlines a new PhD project that will focus on these problems and aims to develop an easier route for strength grading hardwoods.

Citation

Cramer, M. (2023, November). The Challenge of Strength Grading UK Hardwoods. Presented at ICWSE 2023, Brașov, Romania

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (published)
• Conference Name: ICWSE 2023
• Start Date: Nov 2, 2023
• End Date: Nov 4, 2023
• Acceptance Date: Nov 1, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Dec 21, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Feb 20, 2024
• Print ISSN: 2065-2135
• Electronic ISSN: 2971-9372
• Publisher: Transilvania University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16(65)
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 39-52
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.31926/but.fwiafe.2023.16.65.3.3
• Keywords: small clear testing, full-size testing, mechanical properties, EN 384, minor species
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/3518129
• Related Public URLs: https://www.proligno.ro/en/icwse_home_2023.htm