ABSTRACT

Compared with other construction materials, wood products are environmentally attractive because they sequester carbon, are renewable, and are low in embodied energy. Lumber salvaged from building removal possesses these same qualities but with additional environmental attributes. In spite of the environmental attractiveness of reclaimed lumber, its widespread acceptance is hampered because it is not formally recognized in our grading or engineering design standards. This causes confusion for consumers, builders, and building officials, both in the marketplace as well as at the jobsite. In this article, possible alternatives for recognizing and accommodating reclaimed lumber in lumber grading and wood engineering design standards are provided.

ABSTRACT

Sweep, in interaction with sawing method, can negatively affect volume and value recovery from logs. Quantitatively assessing sweep in standing trees to determine its impact on product yields, volume recovery, and value recovery can be challenging and time-consuming. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) provides an opportunity to measure three-dimensional sweep in standing trees.

A total of 98 trees from three hybrid poplar stands (one 12-y-old stand and two 7-y-old stands) in eastern Oregon were TLS scanned over bark and automatically assessed for sweep to a maximum height of 17 m. The trees from the three stands were then felled, transported to a mill, and scanned after debarking using an industrial scanning system. Trees from one of the stands were scanned four times: twice using TLS in the forest from two scan points, and then mill scanned once over bark and rescanned using the mill scanner after the bark was removed.

The average root mean squared differences (RMSD) between over bark TLS measurements and under bark mill scan measurements were similar to the average RMSDs between over bark and under bark mill scan measurements. Differences were noted between stands. The average RMSD was higher in the 12-year-old stand than in the two 7-year-old stands.

ABSTRACT

Forest harvesting is an integral part of the West Virginia forest economy. This component of the supply chain supports a diverse array of primary and secondary processors. A key metric used to describe the efficiency of the roundwood extraction process is the logging utilization factor (LUF). The LUF is one way managers can discern the overall use of harvested roundwood. To update LUF in West Virginia, roundwood utilization during harvesting operations was investigated on 30 active sites in 2008. Approximately 3.6 markets were used by the loggers sampled. The average utilization rate at the time of felling and bucking in the woods was 87.8 percent for trees sampled during this study. Over 97 percent of the roundwood that was processed on the landing was utilized. No relationship was found between the number of markets and utilization rates. Results from this study provide estimates on the overall efficiency of harvest operations as well as the characteristics and quantity of material being left after harvest. This information is important to those involved in the management of the hardwood resource as well as those making investments in wood processing industries.

Abstract

The chemical compositions of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) bark samples from two industrial sources were determined for whole bark as well as the inner and outer bark components. Differences in extractive contents of the whole bark samples were primarily attributed to the different debarking methods which afforded different proportions of inner and outer bark. Treatment of the extractive-free bark samples with 1 percent NaOH to remove interfering phenolic compounds impacted the lignin contents determined by the Klason method, but not those determined by the acetyl bromide method. Upon determining the proportions of inner and outer bark, the data provided here can be used to estimate the chemical compositions of other southern yellow pine bark resources.

ABSTRACT

We present a summary of the characteristics of 55 samples of processed forest biomass residues randomly collected from 34 sites in Oregon. Our purpose is to illustrate the wide diversity of field-processed grindings and chips that are currently being produced to inform managers of the potential variability in existing biomass sources. The samples vary widely with respect to moisture content, particle size distribution, species mix, and ash content. We discuss the value of residue classification for downstream processing. The primary use of forest residues is currently for combustion, but stratification of forest residues provides opportunities to create value-added products, provide rural employment, and increase transportation efficiency.

ABSTRACT

The southern region of the United States, which includes Mississippi, has abundant forest resources that provide an opportunity to establish a wood-based bioenergy industry in the region. This study estimated the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts associated with establishment of wood-based bioenergy facilities in Mississippi. Three potential wood-based bioenergy facilities, wood pellets, bio-oil, and methanol-based gasoline, were considered. The requisite cost information pertaining to the construction and operation of selected wood-based bioenergy facilities were obtained from various secondary sources. Construction activities would impact the economy for a shorter period of time. Results showed operation of a wood pellet facility, having an annual production capacity of 75,000 dry tonnes, would contribute 8,282 full- and part-time jobs and US$12 million worth of economic output to the state economy. Likewise, operation of a bio-oil facility, having an annual production capacity of 66,224.5 dry tonnes, would provide 112 new full- and part-time jobs and an economic output of US$13 million. Similarly, an economic output of US$96 million and 795 more full- and part-time jobs would be added to the Mississippi economy by establishing a methanol-based gasoline facility. Clearly, these impacts are likely to draw the attention of policy makers and investors toward developing wood-based bioenergy opportunities in Mississippi.

ABSTRACT

Steam-distilled essential oils from western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) foliage and twigs were tested for activity against subterranean termites and fungi. Foliage residues were pretreated with dilute sulfuric acid and enzymatically treated to determine their digestibility. Essential oil recovery and sugar yields were higher for foliage than twigs. Foliage essential oil exhibited excellent antifungal and termiticidal activities at the concentrations tested. These results highlight the potential for integrating steam distillation of western juniper foliage to remove essential oil with enzymatic digestion of extraction residues. Additional studies to optimize distillation and pretreatment conditions for foliage are recommended.

ABSTRACT

Bending and shear characteristics of bamboo–wood hybrid glulam (BWHG) beams were investigated to evaluate the possibility of using laminated bamboo lumber (LBL) as a lamstock for glulam beams in structural application. Moreover, two different resin types were also evaluated for bamboo–wood bond strength. Isocyanate-based resin performed better in terms of bond performance and resulted in higher bending strength and comparable stiffness to that of phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde resin. The BWHGs performed better than the reported values on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) glulam beams. Initial results indicate there is potential for LBL to be used as lamstock for glulam beams, which should be investigated further.

ABSTRACT

Untreated and 160°C, 180°C, and 200°C thermo-treated bamboo bundle curtains were reconstructed to make high-density board by impregnation with phenol–formaldehyde resin. The physical and mechanical properties of the boards were examined to evaluate the effect of temperature on their qualities. The modulus of rupture decreased with the increase in thermo-treatment temperature and was reduced by nearly 50 percent after 200°C treatment; however, the modulus of elasticity and bonding shear strength did not change much between untreated and thermo-treated specimens. Thermo-treatment improved the dimensional stability of the boards. Thickness swelling after water immersion and wet–dry cyclic testing decreased with increasing thermo-treatment temperature. Compared with the control specimens, the total color difference (ΔE*) changed greatly as the thermo-treatment temperature increased. The chemical and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that the major component content and functional groups in the major components changed after thermo-treatment.

ABSTRACT

It is well documented that temperature and humidity can influence formaldehyde emissions from composite panels that are produced using urea-formaldehyde (UF)–type adhesives. This work investigates the effect of temperature and humidity on newer commercial California Air Resources Board (CARB) phase II–compliant particleboard produced with UF-type adhesives. These results were compared with laboratory particleboards prepared with the no-added-formaldehyde (NAF) Soyad adhesive technology. A modified version of EN 717‐3 (“Formaldehyde Release by the Flask Method,” ÖNORM 1996) was used to collect formaldehyde emissions that were quantified using the acetylacetone method. The formaldehyde emissions from the commercial particleboard panel bonded with a UF-type resin increased greatly when panels were exposed to higher heat and humidity than in normal testing protocols. Furthermore, the rate of emission for these UF-bonded panels increased with longer exposure at 100 percent relative humidity. In contrast, formaldehyde emissions from particleboard bonded with the NAF adhesive were relatively stable and significantly lower compared with those bonded with UF at all temperature and relative humidity conditions. This work highlights the potential for increased long-term formaldehyde emissions even from the new UF CARB phase II–compliant adhesive systems.

ABSTRACT

Resins from Uncaria gambier and Acacia catechu tannins were prepared by copolymerization with phenol and formaldehyde at 100°C. Both tannins were used to substitute up to 50 percent of the phenol using 5, 8, and 11 percent alkali concentrations. Adhesive formulations and gluing conditions were tested by preparing three-ply Shorea robusta boards (53.34 by 53.34 cm). We found that U. gambier tannin can substitute up to 50 percent of the phenol, using 8 and 11 percent sodium hydroxide as a catalyst; A. catechu tannin can substitute up to 30 percent of the phenol, using 8 and 11 percent sodium hydroxide. The resultant boiling water resistance grade plywood meets the requirements laid down in Indian Standards (IS) 303-1989 for exterior grade plywood in all respects (i.e., glue shear strength in dry, water resistance, and mycological tests).

ABSTRACT

In 1991 a field test was established at two locations in Canada to assess the longevity of deck boards that were either untreated or pressure treated with two levels of preservative penetration. These penetration levels were (1) single incised with 80 percent ≥ 5 mm and (2) unincised. Minidecks were prepared from each species/treatment variable and visually inspected for decay after 5, 9, 15, and 20 years of exposure. After 9 years the treated boards were virtually free of fungal attack, regardless of the preservative penetration, while decay of the untreated boards was moderate to severe. After 15 years there was still almost no decay in the treated boards, while decay in untreated boards had progressed significantly. At the 20-year inspection all untreated decks, with the exception of western red cedar (Thuja plicata), would have had to be replaced due to decay of multiple boards, while all chromated copper arsenate–treated decks remained serviceable regardless of preservative penetration. Based on published work showing how shell treatments with copper-containing preservatives protect decking even with checks penetrating the treated zone, these data are expected to be also relevant to newer preservatives with low levels of mobile copper.

ABSTRACT

In late 2008, a group of business people and entrepreneurs in southeast Alaska became aware of a compressed wood brick product that could be used as an alternative fuel in existing wood-burning stoves and heating equipment. The product differed from many others on the market in that it contained no additive to promote binding and burn characteristics. In 2009, local materials in the form of sawmill residuals and chipped material from land clearing were collected, dried, and shipped to a producer in the northeast United States. A set of returned samples was sent to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Forest Products Laboratory for evaluation of physical properties. Survey methods were used to determine characteristics of wood-burning equipment and conditions at the time of test burns and to assess consumer reactions to the product as an alternative to cordwood. The price that people were willing to pay for such a product was also evaluated. Few differences were detected between bricks made from material available in southeast Alaska and those from outside the region. In addition, the duration of burn was significantly greater for consumers using modern wood-burning stoves approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Consumers expressed a high degree of satisfaction with the product, but their reported fuel of choice was still traditional cordwood. Twenty-nine percent of surveyed consumers were willing to pay a price of $200 a ton for the brick product.

ABSTRACT

The feasibility of using three types of semiconductor gas sensors to detect the metabolic gas generated by termites was investigated. Odor, methane, and hydrogen sensors made of a tin oxide semiconductor were tested. A polypropylene container was prepared with three sensors in the lid to investigate the relationship between the number of termites and food material on gas concentration over time. Worker and soldier termites (Coptotermes formosanus), collected from a laboratory colony, were put into the container with and without food material (wood specimen). The variation in the electrical resistance of the sensors during the detection of gas components was monitored, and the detected voltage was converted into gas concentration.

The hydrogen concentration increased with an increase in the number of termites and was not influenced by gases released from the wood specimen. Similar findings were obtained for the odor sensor, even though it detected odor components from both termites and the wood specimen. The methane sensor did not detect any significant increase in gas concentration. The results showed that the hydrogen emission depended on the feeding activity of worker termites, whereas soldier termites that were supplied with food material by worker termites made a small contribution to hydrogen emission.

These findings suggest that because of the high selectivity and sensitivity of the hydrogen sensor, its performance is better than that of the odor and methane sensors for the detection of termite attacks.

ABSTRACT

In this study we examined the effect of specific factors on chipper performance by using a mobile industrial chipper in a real-life commercial setting. The comprehensive experimental design consisted of five replications per each combination of two types of raw material, two chip discharge systems, and two cut lengths (i.e., 5 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 40 replications). Each replication consisted of a full 18-m³ trailer load. Cut length was manipulated by using different drum types. When all else was equal, the doubling of cut length resulted in a 50 percent increase of average chip length, a 15 percent increase of net productivity, and a 15 percent decrease in fuel consumption. The handling characteristics of the raw material had a strong impact on chipper productivity, causing variations on the order of 20 percent. The discharge system had no significant effect on fuel consumption or productivity, but it did impact product quality and bulk density. Using a blower allowed increasing bulk density between 4 and 7 percent, whereas the installation of a belt conveyor reduced the incidence of small chips and fine particles by up to 30 percent.

ABSTRACT

China's furniture industry has grown rapidly over the past 10 years, which makes China an important furniture exporter in the world. This article focuses on the evolution of research and development (R&D) capacity, net exports of China's furniture industry, and their relationship; analyzes the impact of changes in external factors on R&D capacity, net exports, and profits; and makes predictions for R&D capacity, net exports, and profits. A dynamic model of R&D capacity, net exports, and profits for China's furniture industry is established based on the data from 1993 to 2008; ordinary least squares methods are used for model estimation. The positive correlation between R&D capacity and net exports in regression results illustrates that R&D capacity is conducive to enhancing the competitiveness of Chinese furniture enterprises and likely contributes to export growth as well. If the world economic environment changed radically, exports would decline under the influence of external factors, and then profits would also fall. At present, however, companies are often interested in expanding their exports by increasing R&D investment and, in turn, enhancing their competitiveness. If the world economy grows in a stable manner, China's furniture industry development of R&D capacity and net exports should conform with Virasa and Tang's model (J. High Technol. Manag. Res. 9(2):195–205, 1998). If a sharp fluctuation in the international market occurs, however, the development of China's furniture industry most likely will be unstable.

ABSTRACT

Software investments are increasingly important to remain competitive in modern manufacturing. However, wood product industries generally make minimal information technology (IT) investments and are slow adopters. This study determines the types of software that could contribute the most to the future competitiveness of the Canadian cabinet industry using industry and IT expert input into an Analytic Network Process model. Findings include the following. The Quality strategy is the most crucial for the industry's future competitiveness, with a normalized weight of 0.332, and the Delivery strategy is the least important (0.111). For software, Operations & Engineering and Enterprise Resource Management applications are the most important, having final priorities of 0.227 and 0.222, respectively. Content applications are relatively unimportant (0.087). The sensitivity analysis indicates that the results are robust for varying weights of all strategies except Customer Service. A higher emphasis on the Customer Service strategy increases the priority of the Customer Relationship Management and Collaboration applications to the first and the second-highest priority, respectively.

ABSTRACT

The US forest products industry is struggling as it faces increasing pressure from foreign competition coupled with the current slump in the housing market. In order to survive, industries need to maintain and expand their domestic and international markets. Because the forest products industry of West Virginia is an important component of the state's economic base, the industry must explore the export market to expand its market coverage. A mail survey was conducted in 2009 to assess the problems and potential strategies regarding participation of the West Virginia forest products in the export market. Results indicate that 28 percent of the respondents exported abroad. The most common product exported was lumber, followed by logs. The main reason that companies sell abroad is to reduce risk by selling to a diverse market, while the main reason for not exporting is the perception that domestic market involvement is sufficient. As expected, exporters were relatively more knowledgeable about issues related to exporting compared with nonexporters, and they were also more knowledgeable in strategies needed to conduct international business. Based on the indicators examined, exporters were also more innovative. Of the respondents who did not participate in the export market, only 44 percent indicated that they were interested in developing export markets for their products. The top three problems that hindered competitiveness among nonexporters were production costs, lack of capital, and raw material problems.

ABSTRACT

The forest products industry has been greatly impacted by the Great Recession, with many firms reducing output or closing operations to remain competitive. Educational training has also been a casualty of cost reduction efforts by firms. Yet, we know that a well-trained workforce is better prepared to compete, is more innovative, and is a long-term competitive advantage for companies. This research looked at current educational needs in Minnesota and Virginia by conducting an electronic survey and personal interviews with management personnel in the forest products industry. A key finding was that the factors that have impacted firms since the start of the recession (2008) were similar between states and included the housing market, transportation costs, energy costs, and changing customer demand. Results by size of firm and type of firm varied significantly, and training needs differed by state and size and type of firm. The identified training needs included quality/process control, process improvement, marketing, sales, motivating personnel, and total quality management. Firms rated personal visits and short courses as the primary methods of providing training. During the in-person interviews, managers were asked about the reasons for their companies' success during the recession. In Virginia, they felt that being customer focused, flexible, and diversified and having good financial management were the key issues. In Minnesota, they believed having high-quality products and good customer relationships, being “lean,” controlling costs, and being flexible were their success factors.