Research Article: Grading and Strength of Salvaged Lumber from Residential Buildings

Abstract

Buildings that need to be removed are normally demolished and deposed ofin landfills. Current trends focus on material recovery and reuse as a means to conserve our natural resources and promote environmentally acceptable disposal methods. This research was conducted to evaluate the grading and mechanical properties of lumber salvaged from deconstruction of several residential buildings in Gainesville, Florida. Results of visual grading showed that more than half of the pieces (57%) had damages due to use, construction, and deconstruction that resulted in reduction of their grades. Trimming the ends of damaged pieces resulted in grade increase, but of course reduced the length of the salvaged lumber pieces. Compared to virgin lumber with the same grade and tested under the same conditions, the salvaged lumber was on average denser and had a higher bending stress and modulus of elasticity. Although the findings of this study are limited because the sample sizes were rather small, the salvaged lumber was of such strength as to merit its structural use in building construction. More research data is needed to determine if the properties of recycled lumber differ significantly from the properties of virgin lumber.