Engineered
Properties and Structures
FS-FPL-4714
Effects of Decay on Strength of Wood
Project Objective:
Development of a basic understanding of how, why, and to what extent decay
affects the mechanical properties of lumber, timber, poles and glulam
and how that relates to durability. Develop predictive models to assess
residual serviceability of wood in-service.
Tangible Benefits:
To develop a data base and understanding of principles from which practical
guidance can be given to the engineering community and to standards
organizations for a rational basis for developing residual serviceability
models for wood in-service.
Results:
A new decay test method has been developed and will be reported at the
next IRG/WP meeting in May 2000. Findings to date are that changes in
Strength are a much more sensitive indicator of early decay than is
weight loss (the current independent variable). This method may be presented
to ASTM as a new test methodology for assessing decay in the near future.
Phase I:
Determination of a standard method to simulate initiation of wood decay
in the natural environment (to top right).
Phase II:
Research on identifying and quantifying the relationship between changes
in chemical composition and mechanical properties.
Users:
Wood Engineers, Wood Treaters, Researchers
Funding:
Federal
funding, IWP&D Consortium support