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Dividends from Wood Research

Recent Publications from January - June 2005

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Explanation and Instructions

"Dividends From Wood Research" is a semiannual listing of recent publications resulting from wood utilization research at the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL). These publications are produced to encourage and facilitate application of Forest Service research. This issue lists publications received between July 1 and December 31, 2005.

Each publication listed in this brochure is available through at least one of the following sources.

Available from FPL (indicated by an order number before the title of the publication): Quantities limited. Order by sending the item number and your complete mailing address.

Available through Internet: Listed publications are available as PDF documents for viewing or printing through links provided in this document.

Available through sales outlets: Major sales outlets are the Superintendent of Documents, the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), and various private publishers. Order directly from the outlet.

Available through libraries: Research publications are available through many public and university libraries in the United States and elsewhere. U.S. Government publications are also available through many Government Depository Libraries. Check with a major library near you to determine availability.

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Durability

Condition Assessment of Timber Bridges-1. Evaluation of a Micro-Drilling Resistance Tool (PDF 1.1 MB) Brashaw, Brian K.; Vatalaro, Robert J.; Wacker, James P.; Ross, Robert J. 2005. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-159. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 8 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr159.pdf

The research evaluated the accuracy and reliability of a commercially available micro-drilling resistance device in locating deteriorated areas in timber bridge members. The device records drilling resistance as a function of drilling depth, which allows the operator to assess the location of deterioration in the member cross section. After several tests, we conclude that this micro-drilling device accurately determines if deterioration is present at the point at which the test is performed.

Durability of Hardboard Lap Siding-Determination of Performance Criteria (PDF 2.4 MB) Carll, Charles; TenWolde, Anton 2004. Res. Pap. FPL-RP-622. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 29 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp622.pdf

A current U.S. industry quality assurance test for hardboard siding was evaluated as a predictor of siding performance in accelerated exterior exposure. The study included all commercially available hardboard sidings manufactured in the United States at time of study inception, as well as siding that was specifically produced for this study. The "weatherability of substrate" test procedure contained in the American National Standard proved to be an imperfect, but nevertheless useful, predictor of some performance characteristics on the test fences. The data suggest that the current criterion in the standard does exclude boards prone to serious performance problems but that the incidence of such problems may be significantly reduced by lowering the maximum allowable level. Sorption and desorption isotherms, representing equilibrium moisture content at various ambient relative humidities, are also presented in this report.

Durability of Wood/Plastic Composites Made from Parthenium Species (PDF 42 KB) Chow, Poo; Nakayama, Francis S.; Youngquist, John A.; Muehl, James H.; Krzysik, Andrzej M. 2002. The International Research Group on Wood Preservation, Section 4, Processes and properties. Paper prepared for the 33rd Annual Meeting, Cardiff, Wales, 12-17 May. IRG/WP 02-40225: 3 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2002/chow02a.pdf

Environmental Concentrations of Copper, Chromium, and Arsenic Released from a Chromated-Copper-Arsenate- (CCA-C-) Treated Wetland Boardwalk (PDF 126 KB) Lebow, Stan; Foster, Daniel 2005. Forest Prod. J. 55(2): 62-70. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_lebow001.pdf

Attic and Crawlspace Ventilation: Implications for Homes Located in the Urban-Wildland Interface (PDF 2.0 MB) Quarles, Stephen L.; TenWolde, Anton 2004. In: Proceedings from the Woodframe Housing Durability and Disaster Issues Conference, October 4-6, 2004, Las Vegas, Nevada. Forest Products Society: 227-332. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_quarles001.pdf

Method for Interconverting Drying and Heating Times between Round and Square Cross Sections of Ponderosa Pine (PDF 96 KB) Simpson, William T. 2005. Forest Prod. J. 55(6): 29-32. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_simpson001.pdf

Heat Sterilization Times of Red Pine Boards (PDF 121 KB) Simpson, William T.; Illman, Barbara 2004. Forest Prod. J. 54(12): 240-244. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_simpson003.pdf

Estimating Air Drying Times of Small-Diameter Ponderosa Pine and Douglas-fir Logs (PDF 108 KB) Simpson, William T.; Wang, Xiping 2004. Forest Prod. J. 54(12): 24-28. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_simpson002.pdf

Durability of Hardboard Siding (PDF 380 KB) TenWolde, Anton; Carll, Charles 2004. In: Proceedings, Performance of Exterior Envelopes of Whole Buildings IX, International Conference, December 5-10, U.S. Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory: 1-12. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_tenwolde001.pdf

Fiberboards Treated With N'-N-(1,8-Naphthalyl) Hydroxylamine (NHA-NA), Borax, and Boric Acid (PDF 90 KB) Akbulut, Turgay; Kartal, S. Nami; Green, Frederick III. 2004. Forest Prod. J. 54(10): 59-64. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_akbulut001.pdf

Relationship Between Stress Wave Velocities of Green and Dry Veneer (PDF 60 KB) Brashaw, Brian K.; Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Pellerin, Roy F. 2004. Forest Prod. J. 54(6): 85-89. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_brashaw001.pdf

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Migration From Creosote-Treated Railway Ties Into Ballast and Adjacent Wetlands (PDF 2.6 MB) Brooks, Kenneth M. 2004. USDA Forest Serv. Res. Pap. FPL-RP-617. 53 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp617.pdf

Occasionally, creosote-treated railroad ties need to be replaced, sometimes in sensitive environments such as wetlands. To help determine if this is detrimental to the surrounding environment, more information is needed on the extent and pattern of creosote, or more specifically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), migration from railroad ties and what effects this would have on the surrounding environment. This study is a report on PAH level testing done in a simulated wetland mesocosm. Both newly treated and weathered creosote-treated railroad ties were placed in the simulated wetland. As a control, untreated ties were also placed in the mesocosm. Samples were taken of the ballast, wetland sediments, groundwater, stormwater, and soil cores. Ballast and sediment samples were taken at intervals during the 18 months of the study. Results of the study showed that there was an initial pulse of PAH moving from the treated railway ties into the ballast during the first summer of the study. More PAH moved from the newly treated ties than from the weathered ties at this time. No significant PAH loss was observed from ties during the second summer. A small portion of PAH appeared to move vertically down into the ballast to approximately 60 cm. Small amounts of PAH may have migrated from the ballast into adjacent wetlands during the second summer, but these amounts were not statistically significant. These results suggest that it is reasonable to expect a detectable migration of creosote-derived PAH from newly treated railway ties into supporting ballast during their first exposure to hot summer weather. The PAH rapidly disappeared from the ballast during the fall and winter following this initial loss. Then statistically insignificant vertical and horizontal migration of these PAH suggests that they either evaporated or were degraded in the ballast. Effects of PAH on the environment are discussed in the Appendix.

Reusing Remediated CCA-Treated Wood (PDF 66 KB) Clausen, Carol A. 2003. In: Managing the Treated Wood Resource-II. Proceedings, special seminar, American Wood-Preservers' Association, Utility Solid Waste Activities Group; 2003, May 1; Boston, MA: 49-56. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2003/claus03d.pdf

Treated Wood in Transition: A Look at CCA and the Candidates to Replace It (PDF 59 KB) Lebow, Stan; Winandy, Jerrold; Bender, Donald. 2004. Wood Design Focus (Summer). http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_lebow005.pdf

Fungal Decay Resistance of Wood Reacted With Phosphorus Pentoxide-Amine System (PDF 92 KB) Lee, Hong-Lin; Chen, George C.; Rowell, Roger M. 2004. Holzforschung. 58: 311-315. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_lee001.pdf

Effect of Drying Temperature on Warp and Downgrade of 2 by 4's From Small-Diameter Ponderosa Pine (PDF 1.7 MB) Simpson, William T. 2004. USDA Forest Serv. Res. Pap. FPL-RP-624. 8 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp624.pdf

Kiln drying at high temperature may reduce warp in dimension lumber sawn from small-diameter trees. In this study, we exam-ined the effect on warp of high drying temperatures in conjunction with top loading immediately after drying and after storage in typical conditions that result in further moisture loss. Eight-foot-long 2- by 4-in. (2 by 4) boards sawn from open-grown, 30- to 35-year-old, 9-in.-diameter at breast height ponderosa pine trees were kiln dried at three temperatures, 160 F, 230 F, and 280 F. Crook, bow, and twist were measured and compared. Total grade loss from exceeding Structural Light Framing grade warp lim-its was also measured. Crook, bow, and twist measured after boards had equilibrated to 14% moisture content decreased by 12%, 29%, and 20%, respectively, with increase in kiln drying temperature from 160 F to 280 F. Total grade loss caused by all forms of warp was 24% lower in boards dried at 230 F than at 160 F and 39% lower in boards dried at 280 F than at 160 F. When boards were equilibrated to 4% to 5% moisture content, warp and grade loss from warp increased significantly.

Two-Dimensional Heat Flow Analysis Applied to Heat Sterilization of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas-Fir Square Timbers (PDF 184 KB) Simpson, William T. 2004. Wood Fiber Sci. 36(3): 459-464. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_simpson001.pdf

The Application of Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy to Inorganic Preservative-Treated Wood (PDF 220 KB) So, Chi-Leung; Lebow, Stan T.; Groom, Leslie H.; Rials, Timothy G. 2004. Wood Fiber Sci. 36(3): 329-336. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_so001.pdf

Recent Trends in Preservative Treatments for Timber Bridges (PDF 99 KB) Wacker, James P. 2004. Wood Design Focus (Summer). http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_wacker001.pdf

Chemical Mechanism of Fire Retardance of Boric Acid on Wood (PDF 247 KB) Wang, Qingwen; Li, Jian; Winandy, Jerrold E. 2004. Wood Sci. Technol. 38: 375-389. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_wang002.pdf

Diameter Effect on Stress-Wave Evaluation of Modulus of Elasticity of Logs (PDF 198 KB) Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Punches, John; Erickson, John R.; Forsman, John W.; Pellerin, Roy F. 2004. Wood Fiber Sci. 36(3): 368-377. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_wang003.pdf

Cone Calorimeter Evaluation of Wood Products (PDF 313 KB) White, Robert H.; Dietenberger, Mark A. 2004. In: Lewin, Menachem, ed. Applications, Research and Industrial Development, Markets. Vol. 15. Proceedings, conference on recent advances in flame retardancy of polymeric materials; 2004, June 6-9; Stamford, CT: 331-342. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_white002.pdf

Durability of Yellow-Poplar and Sweetgum and Service Life of Finishes After Long-Term Exposure (PDF 743 KB) Authors. Year. Citation. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_williams001.pdf

Screw Withdrawal--A Means to Evaluate Densities of In-situ Wood Members (PDF 170 KB) Zhiyong Cai; Hunt, Michael O.; Ross, Robert J.; Soltis, Lawrence. 2002. In: Beall, Frank C., ed. Proc. 13th international symposium on nondestructive testing of wood; 2002 August 19-21, Berkeley, CA. Madison, WI: Forest Products Society: 277-281. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2002/cai02b.pdf

General

An Empirical Analysis of an Innovative Application for an Underutilized Resource: Small-Diameter Roundwood in Recreational Buildings (PDF 111 KB) Cantrell, Randall; Paun, Dorothy; LeVan-Green, Susan. 2004. Forest Prod. J. 54(9): 28-35. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_cantrell001.pdf

Rapid Analysis of the Chemical Composition of Agricultural Fibers Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy and Pyrolysis Molecular Beam Mass Spectrometry (PDF 227 KB) Kelley, Stephen S.; Rowell, Roger M.; Davis, Mark; Jurich, Cheryl K.; Ibach, Rebecca. 2004. Biomass Bioenerg. 27: 77-88. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_kelley001.pdf

Nondestructive Assessment of Single-Span Timber Bridges Using a Vibration-Based Method (PDF 679 KB) Wang, Xiping; Wacker, James P.; Morison, Angus M.; Forsman, John W.; Erickson, John R.; Ross, Robert J. 2005. Res. Pap. FPL-RP-627. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 15 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp627.pdf

This paper describes an effort to develop a global dynamic testing technique for evaluating the overall stiffness of timber bridge superstructures. A forced vibration method was used to measure the natural frequency of single-span timber bridges in the laboratory and field. An analytical model was proposed to represent the relationship between the first bending mode frequency and bridge stiffness. The results indicated that the forced vibration method has potential for quickly assessing the stiffness of the timber bridge superstructure. However, improvements must be made in the measurement system to correctly identify the first bending mode frequency in bridges in the field.

Review of Test Methods Used to Determine the Corrosion Rate of Metals in Contact With Treated Wood (PDF 1.3 MB) Zelinka, Samuel L.; Rammer, Douglas R. 2004. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-156. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 23 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr156.pdf

Although preservative treatments prolong the life of wood, they can also accelerate the corrosion of fasteners. In this study, the test methods of twenty publications and one standard that examine the corrosion of metals in contact with wood are summarized and reviewed so that a comparison of their effectiveness can be made. While the focus is on the test methods, some qualitative results from these different methods are discussed to show nuances of the test method. This literature review also focuses future research toward the most promising and focused test methods.

Directory of Wood-Framed Building Deconstruction and Reused Building Materials Companies, 2004. (PDF 941 KB) Falk, Robert H.; Guy, G. Bradley. 2004. USDA Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-150. 113 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr150.pdf

This is a directory of companies involved in wood-framed building deconstruction, dismantling and reused building materials, with an emphasis on those that use, resell, and/or re-manufacture salvaged wood. Companies in this directory range in scope from those that carryout targeted building removals, such as historic barns, strictly for the purpose of harvesting the antique wood in these buildings, to companies that conduct residential and commercial demolition where the primary goal is building removal, and the recovery of materials is conducted opportunistically as a by-product. The bulk of companies listed are those that either salvage or sell building materials. For ease of use, the directory lists companies two ways, alphabetically by state and then alphabetically by company type, and alphabetically by company type and then alphabetically by state.

Energy From Wood (PDF 257 KB) Zerbe, J. I. 2004. In: Burley, Jeffery; Evans, Julian; Youngquist, John A. In: Vol. 2. Encyclopedia of Forest Sciences. London, UK: Elsevier Academic Press: 602-607. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_zerbe001.pdf

Papermaking and Paper Recycling

Physical and Mechanical Properties and Fire, Decay, and Termite Resistance of Treated Oriented Strandboard (PDF 714 KB) Ayrilmis, Nadir; Kartal, S. Nami; Laufenberg, Theodore L.; Winandy, Jerrold E.; White, Robert H. 2005. Forest Prod. J. 55(5):74-81. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_ayrilmis001.pdf

Evaluating the Warping of Laminated Particleboard Panels (PDF 1.0 MB) Cai, Zhiyong 2004. In: Proceedings of the 7th Pacific Rim Bio-Based Composites Symposium. Nanjing, China, October 21- November 2, 2004. Volume II: 69-79. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_cai001.pdf

The Compression of Wood/Thermoplastic Fiber Mats during Consolidation (PDF 299 KB) Englund, Karl R.; Wolcott, Michael P.; Hermanson, John C. 2004. Composites: Part A 35: 273-279. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_englund001.pdf

Mechanical Grading of 6-Inch-Diameter Lodgepole Pine Logs for the Travelers' Rest and Rattlesnake Creek Bridges (PDF 1.5 MB) Green, David W.; Evans, James W.; Murphy, Joseph F.; Hatfield, Cherilyn A.; Gorman, Thomas M. 2005. Research Note FPL-RN-0297. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 17 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrn/fpl_rn297.pdf

Forest Products Laboratory assistance was requested in mechanical grading of logs for two cable-suspension pedestrian bridges in parks near Missoula, Montana. Lodgepole pine logs from a beetle-killed stand were machined (dowelled) to a constant diameter of6 in. The logs were visually graded by Timber Products Inspection, Inc., of Longview, Washington, and mechanically graded by FPL staff using procedures developed in previous research. Mechanical grading is shown to provide a more efficient property assignment than does visual grading.

Improved Utilization of Small-Diameter Ponderosa Pine in Glued-Laminated Timber (PDF 4.0 MB) Hernandez, Roland; Green, David W.; Kretschmann, David E.; Verrill, Steven P. 2005. Res. Pap. FPL-RP-625. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 38 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp625.pdf

This study evaluated ponderosa pine glulam made from lumber that was sawn from a small-diameter timber resource. Two different glulam beam depths were evaluated, and a comprehensive glulam test program evaluated edgewise and flat wise bending, shear, and tensile strength. The calculated design values of this new glulam combination are a significant improvement over the published design values of the all ponderosa pine L3-grade combination currently available in the standards.

3D Structural Panels: A Literature Review (PDF 951 KB) Hunt, John F. 2004. In: Proceedings of the 7th Pacific Rim Bio-Based Composites Symposium. Nanjing, China, October 21- November 2, 2004. Volume II: 272-281. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_hunt005.pdf

Development of New Microwave-Drying and Straightening Technology for Low-Value Curved Timber (PDF 882 KB) Hunt, John F.; Gu, Hongmei; Walsh, Philip; Winandy, Jerrold E. 2005. Research Note FPL-RN-0296. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 4 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrn/fpl_rn296.pdf

A considerable amount of small-diameter, branched, or curved timber is currently left standing, bucked and left on the ground, chipped, or burned after logging or thinning operations. Most North American mills are not equipped to handle this low-value material. In many areas of the western United States, such forest residue does not decompose and becomes susceptible to forest insects or disease, especially if the material is partially damaged or injured during logging. The Forest Products Laboratory is conducting a comprehensive research program to add value to biomass derived from low-value timber, and this paper describes the development of new microwave-drying and straightening technology.

Three-Dimensional Engineered Fiberboard: Opportunities for the Use of Low Valued Timber and Recycled Material (PDF 119 KB) Hunt, John F.; Harper, David P.; Friedrich, Katherine A. 2004. In: 38th International Wood Composites Symposium Proceedings, April 6-8, 2004, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington: 207-216. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_hunt003.pdf

Mechanical Properties for a Wet-Processed Fiberboard Made from Small-Diameter Lodgepole Pine Treetop Material (PDF 117 KB) Hunt, John F.; Supan, Karen 2005. Forest Prod. J. 55(5): 82-87. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_hunt001.pdf

Use of Acousto-Ultrasonic Techniques to Determine Properties of Remanufactured Particleboards Made Solely from Recycled Particles (PDF 347 KB) Kawamoto, Sumire; Muehl, James H.; Williams, R. Sam 2005. In: Third International Workshop on Green Composites, March 16-17, 2005, Kyoto, Japan: 184-189. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_kawamoto001.pdf

Comparing Energy Use and Environmental Emissions of Reinforced Wood Doors and Steel Doors (PDF 76 KB) Knight, Lynn; Huff, Melissa; Stockhausen, Janet I.; Ross, Robert J. 2005. Forest Prod. J. 55(6):48-52. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_knight001.pdf

Evaluation of Small-Diameter Ponderosa Pine Logs in Bending (PDF 146 KB) Larson, Debra; Mirth, Richard; Wolfe, Ronald 2004. Forest Prod. J. 54(12): 52-58. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_larson001.pdf

Stabilized Engineered Wood Fiber for Accessible Trails-Installation and Serviceability Results: Governor Dodge State Park, Wisconsin (PDF 2.2 MB) Laufenberg, Theodore L. 2004. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-155. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 11 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr155.pdf

Trails made with wood chips are difficult for those who use mobility aids because the surface is soft, uneven, and shifting. This report describes the development of a concept for stabilizing engineered wood fiber (EWF) to improve wheelchair and walker accessibility for outdoor recreational trails where traditional paving would be costly and would detract from the natural aesthetics. The applicability and field performance of two binder-EWF systems previously developed for an outdoor playground were tested on a beach path and two bridle trails. Cost estimates and step-by-step instructions are provided for installing stabilized EWF.

Stabilized Engineered Wood Fiber for Accessible Playground Surfaces-Installation and Serviceability Results: Governor Nelson State Park, Wisconsin (PDF 2.1 MB) Laufenberg, Theodore L.; Winandy, Jerrold E. 2004. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-154. Madison, WI: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 11 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr154.pdf

Playground surfaces of sand, pea gravel, and engineered wood fiber (EWF) provide some level of impact protection for children. However, because these surfaces are soft and uneven, they can be difficult for those who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers. This study is the third phase of a research and development project in pursuit of a stable, smooth, and impact-attenuating surface based on wood materials to improve wheelchair and walker accessibility for playgrounds. Cost estimates and a step-by-step guide are provided for installing stabilized EWF on a playground.

Thermal Properties of Wood Reacted with a Phosphorus Pentoxide-Amine System (PDF 304 KB) Lee, Hong-Lin; Chen, George C.; Rowell, Roger M. 2004. J. Appl. Poly. Sci. 91: 2465-2481. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_lee002.pdf

Relationship between Radial Compressive Modulus of Elasticity and Shear Modulus of Wood (PDF 139 KB) Liu, Jen Y.; Ross, Robert J. 2005. Wood Fiber Sci. 37(2): 201-206. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_liu001.pdf

Water Decontamination (PDF 100 KB) Rowell, Roger. 2004. In: McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science & Technology 2004. New York: McGraw-Hill: 372-373. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_rowell003.pdf

Yield and Ultrasonic Modulus of Elasticity of Red Maple Veneer (PDF 116 KB) Ross, Robert J.; Erickson, John R.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Wang, Xiping; Verhey, Steven A.; Forsman, John W.; Pilon, Crystal L. 2004. Forest Prod. J. 54(12): 220-225. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_ross001.pdf

Stress Wave Nondestructive Evaluation of Douglas-fir Peeler Cores (PDF 112 KB) Ross, Robert J.; Zerbe, John I.; Wang, Xiping; Green, David W.; Pellerin, Roy F. 2005. Forest Prod. J. 55(3): 90-94. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_ross001.pdf

Understanding Properties of Commercial OSB Products (PDF 714 KB) Wang, Siqun; Gu, Hongmei; Neimsuwan, Trairat 2004. In: Proceedings of the 7th Pacific Rim Bio-Based Composites Symposium. Nanjing, China, October 21- November 2, 2004. Volume II: 397-399. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_wang004.pdf

Evaluation and Process Development of Salt Cedar and Juniper Biocomposites as Tools to Utilize Exotic and Invasive Species and Restore Native Eco-systems (PDF 177 KB) Winandy, Jerrold E.; Clemons, Craig M.; Stark, Nicole M.; Muehl, James H.; Williams, R. Sam 2005. In: Proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Green Composites, March 16-17, 2005, Kyoto, Japan, Japanese Society of Material Science: 56-60. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_winandy001.pdf

Strength of Small-Diameter Round and Tapered Bending Members (PDF 133 KB) Wolfe, Ron; Murphy, Joe 2005. Forest Prod. J. 55(3): 50-55. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_wolfe001.pdf

Study of Injection Molded Microcellular Polyaminde-6 Nanocomposites (PDF 850 KB) Yuan, Mingjun; Turng, Lih-Sheng; Gong, Shaoqin; Caulfield, Daniel; Hunt, Chris; Spindler, Rick 2004. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44(4): 673-686. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_yuan001.pdf

An Empirical Analysis of an Innovative Application for an Underutilized Resource: Small-Diameter Roundwood in Recreational Buildings (PDF 111 KB) Cantrell, Randall; Paun, Dorothy; LeVan-Green, Susan. 2004. Forest Prod. J. 54(9): 28-35. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_cantrell001.pdf

ASTM Committee D-7: Wood--Promoting Safety and Standardization for 100 years (PDF 166 KB) Green, David W.; Ethington, Robert L.; King, Edward G.; Shelley, Bradley, E.; Gromala, David S. 2004. Forest Prod. J. 54(9): 8-18. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_green001.pdf

Improved Grading System for Structural Logs for Log Homes (PDF 117 KB) Green, D.W.; Gorman, T.M.; Evans, J.W.; Murphy, J.F. 2004. Forest Prod. J. 54(9): 52-62. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_green002.pdf

Composite Panels Made With Biofiber or Office Wastepaper Bonded With Thermoplastic and/or Thermosetting Resin (PDF 275 KB) Muehl. James H.; Krzysik, Andrzej M.; Chow, Poo. 2004. USDA Forest Serv. Res. Note FPL-RN-0294. 6 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrn/fpl_rn294.pdf

The purpose of this study was to evaluate two groups of composite panels made from two types of underutilized natural fiber sources, kenaf bast fiber and office wastepaper, for their suitability in composite panels. All panels were made with 5% thermo-setting phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin and 1.5% wax. Also, an additional 10% polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic resin was used in half the panels. The PP was added to determine the effect it had on the mechanical and physical properties of the panels. The resin and wax were applied with a pneumatic spray gun while tumbling the fiber in a rotary blender. All fibers were formed into nonwoven air-laid mats and compression molded into 356- by 356-mm (14- by 14-in.) composite panels, cut into test specimens, and tested for mechanical and physical properties. All mechanical property values were below the minimum standard established by the American Hardboard Association for medium-density fiberboard and particleboard. However, composites with PP had more short-term moisture resistance than did composites without PP. The poor mechanical test results were probably due to the PF resin being absorbed into the fiber rather than remaining on the fiber surface, insufficient cure of PF, and inter-ference of the PP when used with the PF resin.

Use of Wood Energy for Lumber Drying and Community Heating in Southeast Alaska (PDF 412 KB) Nicholls, David L.; Zerbe, John I.; Bergman, Richard D.; Crimp, Peter M. 2004. USDA Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-152. 14 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr152.pdf

The inadequate transportation infrastructure and undeveloped markets for sawmill residues in southeast Alaska are among the factors that limit the use of this forest resource. This study considers the potential use of sawmill residues to supply two bio-energy systems that would produce thermal energy for (1) community heating and (2) a lumber dry kiln in Hoonah, Alaska. The proposed community heating system would be a direct combustion system, burning approximately 1,450 green tons (1.315 green metric kilotons) of wood fuel per year to provide heating for seven centrally located buildings in Hoonah. Additional sawmill residues would be used in another system to provide process heat for a proposed 25,000 board foot (41.3 m3) dry kiln. The Hoonah sawmill typically produces as much as 5 million board feet (8,255 m3) of lumber per year, primarily from western hemlock and Sitka spruce. The processing of this amount of lumber would result in an adequate volume of residue to provide a fuel source for the heating requirements of the proposed projects. Wood residue from the sawmill is assumed to be available at no cost other than for transportation. Use of wood fuel for community heating would save an estimated 65,000 gallons (2.47 kL) of heating oil per year. Avoided fuel costs would be approximately $91,500 per year based on No. 2 fuel oil at a market price of $1.40 per gallon ($0.37 per liter). Based on a project life of 25 years and a contingency rate of 25%, the expected after-tax internal rate of return (IRR) for the community heating portion of the project is 29.6%. Total installed costs for the 1,195,000 Btu/h (350 kWthermal) community heat-ing system, including distribution piping and its installation and backup oil systems, are estimated to be $631,000. For the lum-ber dry kiln, in the second heat-generating system, economic results were less favorable, with expected energy savings of $82,900 per year and an after-tax IRR of 24.1% (also assuming 25% contingency). Estimated installed cost of the 1,536,000 Btu/h (450 kWthermal) dry kiln system with a backup oil system is $513,800.

Review of End Grain Nail Withdrawal Research (PDF 1.0 MB) Rammer, Douglas R.; Zelinka, Samuel L. 2004. USDA Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-151. 28 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr151.pdf

This study reviewed the literature on static and impact withdrawal of nails driven into the end grain of wood members. From this, an empirical relationship was created relating the specific gravity of the wood, the diameter of the nail, and the depth of penetra-tion of the nail to the static withdrawal capacity of nails driven into the wood and withdrawn immediately. Areas of additional research are identified for end-grain nailing in wood members.

Predictor Sort Sampling and Confidence Bounds on Quantiles I--Asymptotic Theory (PDF 732 KB) Verrill, Steve P.; Herian, Victoria L.; Green, David W. 2004. USDA Forest Serv. Res. Pap. FPL-RP-623. 67 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp623.pdf

In this paper we examine the effect of predictor sort sampling on one-sided confidence bounds for normal quantiles. We have found that standard noncentral T theory that ignores the predictor sort nature of the sampling leads to bounds that are overly conservative. On the other hand, maximum likelihood methods yield non-conservative bounds even for fairly large sample sizes. We provide an asymptotic result that yields the appropriate corrections for the standard noncentral T approach.

Fundamentals of Composite Processing--Proceedings of a Workshop (PDF 8.1 MB) Winandy, Jerrold E.; Kamke, Frederick A., Eds. 2004. USDA Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-149. 118 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr149.pdf

The US Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory (Madison, Wisconsin), and the Wood-Based Composites Center of Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, Virginia) co-sponsored a conference, held November 5-6, 2003, in Madison, Wisconsin, on the funda-mentals of composite processing. The goals were to assess what we know, define what we need to know, and then establish the state of the art in hot-pressing of wood-based, particulate composites. Academic and industrial professionals from around North America and Europe were invited to participate because of their expertise and interest in this area of research. The workshop covered four critical topics associated with hot-pressing of composites: resin curing and bonding, press control, physics of hot-pressing, and computer simulations of the pressing process. This report is the official record of the presentations and discussions that occurred during this workshop.

Summer Temperatures of Roof Assemblies Using Western Redcedar, Wood-Thermoplastic Composite, or Fiberglass Shingles (PDF 119 KB) Winandy, Jerrold E.; Barnes, H. Michael; Falk, Robert H. 2004. Forest Prod. J. 554(11): 27-33. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_winandy002.pdf

Timber Rivets in Structural Composite Lumber (PDF 1.5 MB) Wolfe, Ronald W.; Begel, Marshall; Craig, Bruce. 2004. USDA Forest Serv. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-153. 9 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fpl_gtr153.pdf

Timber rivet connections, originally developed for use with glulam construction, may be a viable option for use with structural composite lumber (SCL) products. Tests were conducted on small samples to assess the performance and predictability of timber rivet connections in parallel strand lumber (PSL) and laminated strand lumber (LSL). The test joint configurations were designed to exhibit "rivet failures"--some combination of rivet yield and bearing deformation in the composite--as opposed to wood failure modes, such as block-shear tear-out or splitting. Results suggest that per-rivet design values should fall between 1 and 2 kN, depending on species and density of the composite and load direction with respect to grain of the composite strands. Timber rivets performed better in LSL than in PSL and better in yellow poplar PSL than in Douglas-fir or Southern Pine PSL; 40-mm rivets in yellow poplar LSL gave roughly equivalent performance to 65-mm rivets in yellow poplar PSL. Comparing rivet yield predictions following the National Design Specification recommendations for round nails and the much simpler approach of using 2/3 the maximum load suggests that the latter approach provides a more consistently reliable evaluation of yield strength for timber rivets. Additional study is necessary to assess rivet connection performance in SCL when rivet density exceeds 1 rivet/in2.

Timber and Fiber Demand and Technology Assessment

Wood Anatomy

Infrared and Colorimetric Characterization of Discolored Kiln-dried Hard Maple Lumber (PDF 148 KB) Dawson-Andoh, Benjamin E.; Wiemann, Michael; Matuana, Laurent; Baumgras, John. 2004. Forest Prod. J. 54(1)53-57. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_dawson-andoh001.pdf

Tree-Ring Records of Near-Younger Dryas Time in Central North America-Preliminary Results from the Lincoln Quarry Site, Central Illinois, USA (PDF 189 KB) Panyushkina, Irina P.; Leavitt, Steven W.; Wiedenhoeft, Alex; Noggle, Sarah; Curry, Brandon; Grimm, Eric. 2004. Radiocarbon 46(Nr2): 933-941. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_panyushkina001.pdf

Effects of Uneven-Aged and Diameter-Limit Management on West Virginia Tree and Wood Quality (PDF 2.6 MB) Wiemann, Michael C.; Schuler, Thomas M.; Baumgras, John E. 2004. USDA Forest Serv. Res. Pap. FPL-RP-621. 16 p. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrp/fpl_rp621.pdf

Uneven-aged and diameter-limit management were compared with an unmanaged control on the Fernow Experimental Forest near Parsons, West Virginia, to determine how treatment affects the quality of red oak (Quercus rubra L.), sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.), and yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.). Periodic harvests slightly increased stem lean, which often causes tension wood. The grade of red oak was lower under the diameter-limit treatment compared with that of the control, but this was due primarily to tree size; in contrast, uneven aged management improved red oak grade irrespective of tree size. Sugar maple grade was poorest in the control but similar in the two treatments, regardless of tree size. Yellow poplar grade was best in the control, even when tree size was taken into account. Sapwood thickness range was small among all red oaks, although the sapwood of the control trees was narrower than that of the treated trees. For yellow-poplar, sapwood thickness increased with tree diameter but was independent of treatment. Sapwood thickness was extremely variable in sugar maple. It increased with diameter in both treatment sites but not in the control, and it was not significantly correlated with tree age. Young, vigorously growing sugar maples produce wide sapwood, but heartwood discoloration begins to affect the trees disproportionately as they reach maturity.

Wood Chemistry

Predicting Photoyellowing Behavior of Mechanical Pulp Containing Papers (PDF 123 KB) Agarwal, Umesh P. 2005. In: Proceedings of the 59th APPITA Annual Conference and Exhibition incorporating the 13th ISWFPC (International Symposium on Wood, Fibre, and Pulping Chemistry) held in Auckland, New Zealand, May 16-19, 2005. Carlton, Victoria, Australia: APPITA: 9-14. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_agarwal003.pdf

Raman Imaging of Lignin and Cellulose Distribution in Black Spruce Wood (Picea mariana) Cell Walls (PDF 1.0 MB) Agarwal, Umesh P. 2005. In: Proceedings of the 59th APPITA Annual Conference and Exhibition incorporating the 13th ISWFPC (International Symposium on Wood, Fibre, and Pulping Chemistry) held in Auckland, New Zealand, May 16-19, 2005. Carlton, Victoria, Australia: APPITA: 377-384. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_agarwal002.pdf

FT-Raman Investigation of Bleaching of Spruce Thermomechanical Pulp (PDF 502 KB) Agarwal, U.P.; Landucci, L.L. 2004. J. Pulp Pap. Sci. 30(10): 269-274. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_agarwal001.pdf

Raman Spectra of Lignin Model Compounds (PDF 294 KB) Agarwal, Umesh P.; Reiner, Richard S.; Pandey, Ashok K.; Ralph, Sally A.; Hirth, Kolby C.; Atalla, Rajai H. 2005. In: Proceedings of the 59th APPITA Annual Conference and Exhibition incorporating the 13th ISWFPC (International Symposium on Wood, Fibre, and Pulping Chemistry) held in Auckland, New Zealand, May 16-19, 2005. Carlton, Victoria, Australia: APPITA: 1-8. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_agarwal004.pdf

Recent Developments in Spectroscopic and Chemical Characterization of Cellulose (PDF 768 KB) Atalla, Rajai H., Isogai, Akira 2005. In: Severian Dumitriu, editor. Polysaccharides: Structural Diversity and Functional Versatility, Second Edition. New York: Marcel Dekker: 123-157. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2005/fpl_2005_atalla001.pdf

Electron Transfer from alpha-Keggin Anions to Dioxygen (PDF 48 KB) Geletti, Yurii V.; Atalla, Rajai H.; Hill, Craig L.; Weinstock, Ira A. 2004. Extended abstract in: Catalysis and 21st Century Challenges: Basic Research and the Needs of Society. 13th Congress on Catalysis, 11-16 July, 2004, Paris, France. [S.I.] Centre national de la recherché scientifique. [CD ROM & web http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_geletii001.pdf

Dimerization of A-a-[SiNb₃W₉O₄₀]⁷- by pH-Controlled Formation of Individual Nb-µ-O-Nb Linkages (PDF 137 KB) Kim, Gyu-Shik; Zeng, Huadong; Neiwert, Wade A.; Cowan, Jennifer J.; Van Derveer, Donald; Hill, Craig L.; Weinstock, Ira A. 2003. Inorg. Chem. 42(18): 5537-5544. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2003/kim03a.pdf

Polyoxometalate Oxidation of Non-Phenolic Lignin Subunits in Water: Effect of Substrate Structure on Reaction Kinetics (PDF 82 KB) Yokayama, Tomoya; Chang, Hou-min; Reiner, Richard S.; Atalla, Raja H.; Weinstock, Ira A.; Kadla, John F. 2004. Holzforschung 58: 116-121. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_yokoyama002.pdf

A Biopulping Mechanism: Creation of Acid Groups on Fiber (PDF 87 KB) Hunt, Chris; Kenealy, William; Horn, Eric; Houtman, Carl. 2004. Holzforschung. 54: 434-439. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_hunt001.pdf

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Engineered for Xylose Metabolism Exhibits a Respiratory Response (PDF 397 KB) Jin, Young-Su; Laplaza, Jose M.; Jeffries, Thomas W. 2004. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 70(11): 6816-6825. http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_jin002.pdf

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