Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of this effort is to provide information and advice on the properties, performance, and use of wood-based materials to a wide range of user groups. A notable accomplishment was the significant consultation provided to the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) by the technical advisor from the RWU4714, which is appointed by the Secretary of Commerce (Penny Pritzker at the time). This position provides advice and counsel as to the technical appropriateness of grade rule and allowable property assignment changes for use in the United States of America. In FY2020, several lumber species groups have undergone monitoring programs to verify the strength of lumber sold across the United States and Canada. Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) is responsible for reviewing the monitoring process of every species and verifying that the lumber produced meets current published lumber strength values. Another noteworthy accomplishment was transferring research results on cross-laminated timber (CLT) shear walls into the building codes. During FY2020, proposals to incorporate the CLT design methodology and associated seismic parameter were submitted to the Building Seismic Safety Council (BSSC), ANSI/AWC Standard Design Procedures for Winds and Seismic, and ASCE 7 Standard - Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. These three key consensus standards are referenced by the International Building Code, the most widely used model building code used in the United States. The BSSC approved the CLT Shear Wall as a seismic force resisting system (SFRS) in March 2020 and has published our approach in FEMA P-2082- 1 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures this September. Additionally, the CLT Shear wall design methodology was approved for inclusion in the December 2020 printing of the ANSI/AWC Standard Design Procedures for Winds and Seismic. Finally, as it relates to ASCE 7, our CLT work has made it through the ASCE seismic subcommittees in early summer and is currently being balloted by the main committee of ASCE 7. When approved this will be the first approved SFRS using the recently adopted FEMA P695 process and only the second approved wood based SRFS overall. The other being the tradition light frame wood system that was approved in the early 1970⿿s.
Impacts
Technical advice was provided to the general public; ASTM Committee D-7; ICC ⿿ International Codes Council; Building Seismic Safety Council; ALSC ⿿ American Lumber Standard Committee; APA ANSI Standard ⿿ Glulam, CLT ⿿ Engineered Wood Association, American National Standards Institute; American Wood Council (AWC); ASCE ⿿ American Society of Civil Engineers; TRB (Transportation Research Board); AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials); American Forest and Paper Association; Wood Works; the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) and the U.S. Yuma Proving Ground Tropical Region Test Center (TRTC).
Publications
|
Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/19
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of this effort is to provide information and advice on the properties, performance, and use of wood-based materials to a wide range of user groups. A notable accomplishment was the significant consultation provided to the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) by the technical advisor from the RWU4714, which is appointed by the Secretary of Commerce (Penny Pritzker at the time). This position provides advice and counsel as to the technical appropriateness of grade rule and allowable property assignment changes for use in the United States of America. Another noteworthy accomplishment was the technical consultation provided to the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) and the U.S. Yuma Proving Ground Tropical Region Test Center (TRTC) in evaluating the biological durability of US domestic hardwoods for US Army tactical trailer decking. Previous trailer decks had been constructed of tropical species which are no longer available. The Acting AD for WPR hosted the representatives from U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (Tropics Region Test Center) and U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center on May 10, 2019. In July 2019, two scientists from RWU4714 and one scientist from RWU4723 traveled to Panama and Suriname to evaluate the filed exposure sites for testing the durability of enhanced domestic hardwoods in real environments of high deterioration hazard. The consultation spurred a joint collaboration between the U.S. Army, Michigan Technological University and FPL including project funding totaling $270,000. At the request of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), RWU4714 scientists provided technical assistance in evaluating the structural conditions of wood members in a viewing tower in Potawatomi State Park, Door County, Wisconsin. An on-site visual and nondestructive inspection was performed by the scientists. A report was prepared and published as a FPL Research Note in FY2019.
Impacts
Technical advice was provided to the general public; American Lumber Standards Committee; ASTM Committee D-7; American Society of Civil Engineers; American Forest and Paper Association; Wood Works; the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) and the U.S. Yuma Proving Ground Tropical Region Test Center (TRTC). In addition, workshops and lectures, on a range of wood utilization topics, were conducted at various sites across the United States and abroad. Technical visits also helped visitors from public, universities, and representatives from APA-The Engineered Wood Association.
Publications
- Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping; Senalik, C. Adam. 2018. Nondestructive assessment of wood members in a viewing tower in Potawatomi State Park, Door County, Wisconsin, USA. Res. Note FPL-RN-0366. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 1-14.
|
Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of this effort is to provide information and advice on the properties, performance, and use of wood-based materials to a wide range of user groups. A notable accomplishment was the publication of Marks⿿ Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, 12th Edition. (A.L. Sadegh and W.M. Worek, Editors. McGraw-Hill, NY. Pp. 406-417). Forest Products Laboratory scientists prepared the chapter on wood materials for this widely used reference document. Another noteworthy accomplishment was a publication that summarizes cooperative efforts to review the state-of-the-art in research, technology transfer, and education needs and opportunities in residential construction.
Impacts
Technical advice was provided to the general public; American Lumber Standards Committee; ASTM Committee D-7; American Society of Civil Engineers; American Forest and Paper Association; Wood Works; and USDA Forest Service engineers on inspection of wood and timber structures. In addition, short courses and lectures, on a range of wood utilization topics, were conducted at various sites across the United States and abroad. Technical visits also helped visitors from numerous countries and other representatives participate.
Publications
- Kochkin, Vladimir; Hudson, Ed; Ross, Robert J.; Martinson, Karen L. 2018. Industry-prioritized research, technology transfer, and education needs and opportunities in residential construction. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-259. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 1-47.
- Ross, Robert J. 2016. Wood: composition, structure, and nomenclature. In: Sadegh, A.M.; Worek, W.M. eds. Marks⿿ standard handbook for mechanical engineers. 12th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education: 406-407. Chapter 4.6.
|
Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/17
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of this effort is to provide information and advice on the properties, performance, and use of wood-based materials to a wide range of user groups. A notable accomplishment was a workshop hosted by the Forest Products Laboratory. The 20th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium was held in September 12-15, 2017. Over eighty participants from fifteen countries were in attendance. A proceedings that summarizes the current state-of-art and research needs in nondestructive testing and evaluation of wood was prepared and published. It contains the presentations made and is available online. A publication was prepared that summarizes cooperative efforts on the condition assessment of a historic viewing tower in the State of Wisconsin⿿s park system.
Impacts
Technical advice was provided to the general public; American Lumber Standards Committee; ASTM Committee D-7; American Society of Civil Engineers; American Forest and Paper Association; Wood Works; and USDA Forest Service engineers on inspection of wood and timber structures. In addition, short courses and lectures, on a range of wood utilization topics, were conducted at various sites across the United States and abroad. Technical visits also helped visitors from numerous countries and other representatives participate.
Publications
- Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping; Senalik, C. Adam; Allison, R. Bruce; Zhou, Lujing. 2017. Nondestructive assessment of wood members from a historic viewing tower. Research Note. FPL⿿RN⿿0349. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 10 p.
|
Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of this effort is to provide information and advice on the properties, performance, and use of wood-based materials to a wide range of user groups. A notable accomplishment was a workshop hosted by the Forest Products Laboratory. The Mass Timber Research Workshop was held in November 3-4, 2015. Over one hundred twenty participants were in attendance. A document that summarizes the current state-of-art and research needs in mass timber construction was prepared and published. It contains the presentations made and is available online.
Impacts
Technical advice was provided to the general public; American Lumber Standards Committee; ASTM Committee D-7; American Society of Civil Engineers; American Forest and Paper Association; Wood Works; and USDA Forest Service engineers on inspection of wood and timber structures. In addition, short courses and lectures, on a range of wood utilization topics, were conducted at various sites across the United States and abroad. Technical visits also helped visitors from numerous countries and other representatives participate.
Publications
- Rammer, D. Robert. 2016. Wood: mechanical fasteners. In: Hashmi, Saleem; ed. Reference Module in Materials Science and Materials Engineering. Oxford: Elsevier. pp. 1-11.
- Ross, Robert J.; Gonçalves, Raquel; Wang, Xiping. 2015. Proceedings: 19th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium. USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory; General Technical Report. Madison, WI. FPL-GTR-239. 688 pp.
- Williamson, Tom; Ross, Robert J. (Eds.) 2016. Proceedings: Mass Timber Research Workshop 2015. General Technical Report FPL-GTR- 241. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 364 pp.
|
Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of this effort is to provide information and advice on the properties, performance and use of wood-based materials to a wide range of user groups. A notable accomplishment was a symposium sponsored and hosted by the RWU and the University of Campinas, Brazil. The 19th International Symposium on Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium was held in FY 2015. One hundred participants from twenty three countries were in attendance. A document that summarizes the symposium was prepared and published. It contains papers from the presentations made and is available on-line.
Impacts
Technical advice was provided to the following user groups: General public; American Lumber Standards Committee; ASTM Committee D-7; American Society of Civil Engineers; American Forest and Paper Association; Wood Works; and USDA Forest Service engineers on inspection of timber bridges. In addition, short courses and lectures, on a range of wood utilization topics, were conducted at various sites across the United States and abroad. Technical visits, for representatives from visitors from twenty countries, were led.
Publications
- Allison, R. Bruce; Wang, Xiping 2015. Chapter 7: Nondestructive Testing in the Urban Forest. USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-238, 2015; p. 77-86.
- Beall, Frank C.; Reis, Hennique; Senalik, Adam; McGovern, Megan 2013. Ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation of wood and wood products - past, present and future. Pro Ligno, Volume 9, Number 4, 2013; pp. 540-546.
- Brashaw, Brian K.; Anderson, Samuel; Ross, Robert J. 2015. Laser Scanning Technology as Part of a Comprehensive Condition Assessment for Covered Bridges. USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Research Note, FPL-RN-0335, 2015; 14 p.
- Ross, Robert J.; White, Robert H. 2014. Wood Condition Assessment Manual: Second Edition. USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory General Technical Report FPL-GTR-234, 2014
- Wang, Xiping; Carter, Peter 2015. Chapter 8: Acoustic Assessment of Wood Quality in Trees and Logs. USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-238, 2015; pp. 87-101.
|
Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of this effort is to provide information and advice on the properties, performance and use of wood-based materials to a wide range of user groups. A notable accomplishment was a symposium sponsored and hosted by the RWU and the Federal Highway Administration. The Second International Conference on Timber Bridges held in FY 2014. One hundred fifty participants from twenty countries were in attendance. A document that summarizes the symposium was prepared and published. It contains papers from the presentations made and is available on-line.
Impacts
Technical advice was provided to the following user groups: General public; American Lumber Standards Committee; ASTM Committee D-7; American Society of Civil Engineers; American Forest and Paper Association; Wood Works; and USDA Forest Service engineers on inspection of timber bridges. In addition, short courses and lectures, on a range of wood utilization topics, were conducted at various sites across the United States and abroad. Technical visits, for representatives from visitors from twenty countries, were led.
Publications
- Wiedenhoeft, Alex C.; Kretschmann, David E. 2014. Species Identification and Design Value Estimation of Wooden Members in Covered Bridges. USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-228. 94 p.
- Lebow, Stan T.; Ross, Robert J.; Zelinka, Samuel L. 2014. Evaluation of Wood Species and Preservatives for Use in Wisconsin Highway Sign Posts. USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-231, 2014; 51 p.
- Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping 2013. Proceedings 18th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium Madison, Wisconsin, USA 2013. USDA Forest Service, Products Laboratory, General Technical Report, FPL-GTR-226, 2013: p.808.
|
Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The goal of this effort is to provide information and advice on the properties, performance and use of wood-based materials to a wide range of user groups. A significant accomplishment was a symposium sponsored and hosted by the RWU. The 18th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium was held at FPL September 24-27, 2013. One hundred ninety participants from twenty one countries were in attendance. A document that summarizes the symposium (Proceedings, 18th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium. General Technical Report. FPL-GTR-226. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory: 808 p.) was prepared and published. It contains papers from the over 150 presentations made. It is available on-line.
Impacts
Technical advice was provided to the following user groups: General public; American Lumber Standards Committee; ASTM Committee D-7; American Society of Civil Engineers; American Forest and Paper Association. In addition, short courses and lectures, on a range of wood utilization topics, were conducted at various sites across the United States and abroad. FPL hosted visitors from 21 countries.
Publications
|
|