Timber Wood Research Articles

Timber Engineering Notebook No. 2: Engineered wood products and timber structural systems

There are limitations on the maximum cross-sectional size and lengths of sawn timber that can be used as a structural component due to the availability of log sizes and the presence of naturally occurring defects in the timber (see Timber Engineering Notebook No. 1). These defects can be cut out and the timber reconstituted using engineered wood techniques such as finger jointing to create longer lengths of timber of an assured strength grade, or laminating to form a homogeneous timber section. Combinations of timber or laminated sections with different materials such as wood-based boards or metal elements are used to create ‘engineered wood products' (EWPs) whose maximum size is limited only by manufacturing, handling and transportation constraints. In addition to engineered wood products, there are reconstituted board products which comprise smaller wood-based strands and fibres re-formed into panel products. These have structural applications but are also used extensively in the furniture-making and packaging industries. Types of timber structural systems and their applications are also introduced in this Notebook

In vitro Regeneration of Multipurpose Medicinal Tree Stereospermum Suaveolens?Factors Controlling the In Vitro Regeneration

Stereospermum suaveolens (DC.) is a multipurpose tree endowed with medicinal properties and good timber wood quality. It has analgesic and wound healing property. It is one of the important tree species used in the preparation of ayurvedic formulation known as Dashmula, in which roots of Dashmula tree species are used in preparation of ayurvedic formulations. Wood is employed for construction work, planks and beam, carts, carriages and wagons, furniture, cabinet work and tool handles. The destruction of this plant species is severe and planting of seedlings is almost negligible. Due to low germination and unsuccessful vegetative propagation, in vitro regeneration of Stereospermum suaveolens through micropropagation was studied as a tool for large scale propagation. In the present study, shoots were initiated from the nodal segments of Stereospermum suaveolens further shoot proliferation was achieved on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinins and additives.100% root initiation was achieved in the MS medium supplemented with IBA. Different substrates were evaluated during hardening phase. The plants of S. suaveolens grown on coco peat showed 84.6 percent survival and those on soil mixture showed 76.47 percent survival.

Modeling Quality knowledge to design log sorting system by X rays tomography

The aim of this paper is to highlight the advantage of using human (expert) knowledge and know-how to design an automated quality control system. This study is based on an industrial case of a French sawmill. The modeling deals with qualitative analyses of round wood and sawn timber in order to tune X rays scanner system. NIAM/ORM method is used to model quality expert knowledge. It enables to establish existing or missing links in one quality or between different levels of quality. This model will improve the optimization of one or several decision methods based on experts' knowledge of the company.

An over view of people plant interaction in the rangeland of District Tank, Pakistan

A total of 205 recorded species had varied local uses for various purposes. These species included 166 herbs, 29 shrubs and 10 trees. The major bulk of 142 species (69.3%) was classified as fodder/forage. The next major utility of plant, that is 49 species (22.4%), was their medicinal uses. There were 36 species used as fuel wood and 11 species for timber purpose. There are 7 species (3.4%) used as edible fruits, 9 species (4.4%) as vegetables and 5 species (2.4%) as condiments. The leaves of Amaranthus viridis, Amaranthusspinosus, Amaranthus graecizans, Chenopodium morale and Allium sativum are used as vegetable and condiments. Twelve species (5.8%) were used as roof thatching and 3 species (1.5%) including Dalbergia sissoo were used for furniture making. Many plants had multiple uses such as Acacia modesta, Acacia nilotica ssp. nilotica and Zizyphus mauritiana, etc. which are used as fodder, timber wood, fire wood, medicinal and also had other varied uses. These plants are used in individual form or in combination with other species or other edible items. The major utility of this ecosystem could be pasture; therefore efforts should be directed to improve the area as a rangeland. Key words: People plant interaction, ethnobotany, conservation, palatability, Pakistan.

Vulnerability of timber in ground contact to fungal decay under climate change

Attack of decay fungi on wood-based material depends primarily on the natural durability of wood, the local climatic conditions, and the likely climatic change. This study investigates the vulnerability of wood and structural timber in ground contact to decay fungi under high and medium emissions scenarios specified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and a future scenario in which the global emissions have been limited to 550 ppm through a range of successful intervention schemes. Nine general circulation models are applied to project the local climates of Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne in Australia. It was found that, under the three emissions scenarios, the median decay rate of wood by 2080, relative to that in 2010, could increase up to 10 % in Brisbane and Sydney, but could decrease by 12 % in Melbourne. For timber of less durable wood species 50 years after installation, the residual strength under climate change could be almost 25 % less than that without climate change. The coefficients of variation (COVs) of decay rate of wood are in the vicinity of 1.0 regardless of wood species. For residual strength of timber pole after 50 years of installation, the COVs range from 0.2 to 1.1, depending on the natural durability of timber and the site location. The high COVs due to the variability of natural durability of wood and of climate change, in combination with the likely changes in median residual strength of structural elements, will cause significant structural reliability issues of wood construction and need to be addressed in engineering design codes.

Illegal cross-border trade of protected species of wild fauna and flora

It is estimated that the international trade in wild plants and animals annually worth several billion dollars, hundreds of millions of species are traded: live specimens of animals and plants and products derived from them, including food products, exotic leather products, wooden musical instruments, timber, souvenirs, drugs, cosmetics and more. Proportion of exploitation of certain plant and animal species are large, so that their traffic together with other factors, such as habitat loss, greatly endangering their populations driving some species to extinction. Although certain species of wild animals and plants are not endangered by trade, traffic regulation is necessary to ensure that trade that meets the requirements of sustainable development in order to preserve the natural resources for the future, and in particular to prevent the damaging effects of illegal trade in protected species in cross-border context.

Relationships of Forest Biodiversity and Rattan Jernang (Daemonorops draco) sustainable harvesting by Anak Dalam tribe in Jambi, Sumatra

Adiwibowo A, Sulasmi IS, Nisyawati. 2012. Relationships of forest biodiversity and Rattan Jernang (Daemonorops draco) sustainable harvesting by Anak Dalam tribe in Jambi, Sumatra. Biodiversitas 13: 46-51. Conservation of tropical trees can be achieved if supported by the sustainable use of forest by community live nearby through harvesting of non timber woods, for instance rattan. Furthermore, rattan jernang individuals and trees have significant associations. Therefore, objective of this paper is to investigate the utilization of rattan jernang (Daemonorops draco Wild) related to the forest tree biodiversity by Anak Dalam tribe in several villages in Jambi, Sumatra. The study has identified that populations of Daemonorops draco were varied among villages, ranged from 40 to 71 clumps inthe forests and up to 500 clumps in plantations. Moreover, 73 individual trees consisted of 32 species were identified as rattan host and conserved by the community. Dialium platyespalyum. Quercus elmeri, and Adinandra dumosa were rattan host trees with the highest populations. Meanwhile, a biodiversity of non-host trees consisted of 30 individual trees from 16 species. Interviews revealed that traditional harvesters have acknowledged that trees have significant important ecological roles for the rattan livelihood and therefore it is very important to conserve the forests for the sustainability of harvest in the future. Furthermore, to secure the availability of rattan, thetraditional harvesters had started rattan plantation.

An Ethnobotanical Survey on Fuel Wood and Timber plant Species of Kaghan Valley, Khyber pakhtoonkhwa Province, Pakistan

A survey was conducted to explore the fuel wood species and timber producing species of Kaghan valleys, Pakistan. Consumption pattern and impact on the forest resources were also taken into consideration. A questionnaire was used as a survey instrument to obtain desired data. For this study, 10 villages were randomly selected. In each village, 10 persons that were randomly selected were interviewed. Only one person was interviewed from a household. A total of 100 respondents were interviewed. The studies revealed that, 75 plant species belonging to 41 families were utilized as fuel wood and 41 species belonging to 25 families were utilized as timber. Three tree species; Quercus incana, Cedrus deodara and Taxus wallichiana was found endangered. There is a dire need to conserve these species. Key words : Ethnobotany, fuel wood, timber species, Kaghan valleys, Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa Province, Pakistan.

Ethnobotanical Study of Tehsil Kabal, Swat District, KPK, Pakistan

A total of 140 plants have been reported ethnobotanically from Tehsil Kabal, Swat District. These include the 133 plants (95%) of angiosperms, 3 (2.14%) of gymnosperms, and 2 (1.42%) each of pteridophytes and fungi. The largest family is Lamiaceae represented by 11 species followed by Rosaceae represented by 9 species. Among angiosperms 76 (55.63%) were herbs, 17 (12.78%) were shrubs, and 40 (30.07%) were trees; 127 plants (95.48%) were dicot while 6 plants (4.51%) were monocot. Most of the plants were used for more than one purpose. Generally the plants were used for medicinal, fuel, timber wood, food, and fodder for cattle purposes.

Studies on traditional knowledge of economically important plants of Kaghan Valley, Mansehra District, Pakistan

In this research paper, efforts have been made to document the traditional knowledge of economically important plants of Kaghan Valley. Studies were conducted during 2009 to 2010 in the months of June to August. As a result, 102 important plant species belonging to 93 genus and 61 families were recorded from all available sources including botanical name, local name, status, part used and economical importance. These plants were classified for their traditional medicinal and economic uses but many of these plants have more than one local use. The plants were used commonly as fuel wood, forage/fodder, medicinal, edible, shelter making, vegetables, timber wood, furniture wood etc. It is expected that this effort will also serve as an educational tool for students, researchers and plant taxonomists. Key words: Traditional knowledge, economically important plants, Kaghan Valley.

Arundo donax chipboard based on urea-formaldehyde resin using under 4 mm particles size meets the standard criteria for indoor use

Common reed ( Arundo donax) is a fast growing perennial plant, considered in many countries as a weed or invasive plant. New material developments in recent years have led to common cane proliferation and an invasion in crops and water channels, significantly increasing elimination and control costs. In this study, it is proposed that particleboard be manufactured of common reed ( A. donax). The objective is twofold. On the one hand it allows control of a weed, and secondly, it helps reduce the high dependence of imported wood timber and boards by using a readily and annually renewable resource. The fibers of common reed A. donax, possess high tensile strength (200 N/mm 2 between knots), providing much higher values than wood. This fact together with an important moisture and aging resistance, encourage us to propose it as a suitable raw material for the production of particleboards. In this study we propose the manufacture of particle board with urea formaldehyde resin, which is currently used in the wood chipboard industry. To perform this study, A. donax fibers obtained from a shredding hammer, were classified attending to size and slenderness. Following the standard industrial chipboard manufacturing processes, boards were developed to compare their behaviour against wood chipboards. Fifteen test-tube batches with different proportions of pre-selected fibers were manufactured. New boards were subjected to a mechanical stress test, and other physical properties were also measured. UNE EN—specific wood chipboard regulations were applied. Results showed that particleboard could be manufactured using A. donax adjusting the particle size to a maximum of 4 mm sieves. Finally it can be stated that making common reed panels also involves the reuse of a plant actually considered a weed, to become a raw material for industrial applications, leaving a door open to future development and research areas.

VALUASI EKONOMI SUMBERDAYA HUTAN MANGROVE DI DESA PALAES KECAMATAN LIKUPANG BARAT KABUPATEN MINAHASA UTARA

The purpose of this study to determine the economics value of mangrove forest ecosystems, as well asits contribution to society in the region of mangrove research sites in the Palaes Village, District of WestLikupang, North Minahasa regency. In this research, using primary and secondary data. The variablesmeasured were the direct benefit of the value generated from direct utilization of mangrove forests such asthe potential for wood (timber and firewood), palm leaves craftsmen , catching fish, shrimp and crab(Rp/year). The value of benefits Indirect value resulting from the utilization of mangrove forest indirectlynamed as breaking waves (break water) (Rp/year). Value of benefit options, namely the economic valuederived from potential direct or indirect utilization of a resource / ecosystem in the future the value ofBiodiversity (Rp/year).Based on INP calculation to determine the existence of a species in a community under study, obtainedPalaes Village mangrove forest dominated by Rhizophora at 109,499. INP data from other speciesin a row on the kind of Brugiera of 58,088, amounting to 57,492 Ceriops species, Xilocarpus of 41,491,20,860 species of Sonneratia and Avicennia species amounted to 12,860.Based on the calculations found that the benefits obtained if mangrove forests are maintained atRp10,888,218,123,/year, calculated from the sum of the direct benefits other than timber potential, indirectbenefits and benefits options. Meanwhile, if the potential for exploitation of timber obtained a profit ofRp273,617,273/year. It can be concluded that if the mangrove forest is maintained, then the benefits will39.8 times greater than exploiting the natural resources of mangrove forests Palaes Village.By considering the total economic value derived from the mangrove forest ecosystem in Palaes Village,it has the benefits of mangrove forest and an important functions as economic resources and ecologicalresources for the life of the people who are around him. Therefore, the presence of (physical condition)of mangrove forest ecosystems must be maintained as an asset development, be it by local communitiesand other parties such as government, private sector, researchers and LSM, so that development activitiescan work well and the availability of mangrove forest resources remain secure.

Small wind turbines with timber blades for developing countries: Materials choice, development, installation and experiences

The low cost wind turbines with timber blades represent a good solution for the decentralized energy production in off-grid regions of developing countries. This paper summarizes the results of investigations on the mechanical testing and choice of timber for wind blades, testing of different coatings and blades as well as installation and practical experience with wooden wind turbines in Nepal. The recommendations on the optimal choice of Nepali timber and coatings for low cost wind blades are summarized. The timber wood blades were designed and tested. On the basis of the recommendations, the wind turbines with timber (lakuri) wind blades were produced, and tested. The turbines with timber wind blades were installed on several locations around Nepal, and their usability was studied. It was demonstrated that the appropriate choice of timber and coatings ensures necessary reliability of the blades and turbines. It was further demonstrated that the low cost wind turbines with timber blades represent a promising and viable option for the decentralized energy production in developing countries, which also opens new areas for businesses.

Effects of forest management on sustainability of integrated timber and energy wood production - scenario analysis based on ecosystem model simulations

The main aim of this thesis was to study the effects of forest management on the sustainability of integrated timber and energy wood production in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), on fertile and medium fertile sites, and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), on medium fertile and less fertile sites. In this context, an ecosystem model was used in scenario analyses, which considered the effects of management on the total stem wood production, timber and energy wood production. Furthermore, the management implications for net present value (NPV) and net CO2 emissions of the use of energy wood was addressed. The management included varying pre-commercial stand density, timing, and intensity of energy wood thinning, N fertilization (Papers II-IV), and rotation length (Paper IV). In addition, the effects of the genetic entry on above-ground biomass production of Norway spruce were studied based on experimental data (Paper I). In general, the management with higher pre-commercial stand density than that used in basic management and N fertilization clearly increased stem wood production (i.e. sawlogs, pulp and small-sized stem wood), energy wood production (logging residuals, small-sized stem wood, stump wood and roots) and also NPV over the rotation for both Norway spruce and Scots pine, regardless of site fertility type and rotation length used in the simulations (Papers II-IV). However, the total stem wood production and energy wood production were also affected by the timing of energy wood thinning. Fertilization had a positive effect, but the effects of number of applications and amount of N fertilization were negligible on the total stem wood and energy wood production. Additionally, in the case of net CO2 emissions, the increase of pre-commercial stand density and fertilization clearly decreased the net CO2 emission in energy production over the rotation regardless of tree species, site fertility type and rotation length used in simulations (Papers III-IV). In general, high stem wood production indicated concurrently, on average, higher NPV and lower CO2 emissions per energy unit regardless of tree species and site fertility type. At the landscape level, the highest amount of timber and energy wood and the NPV was obtained in Norway spruce on landscape dominated by older stands (Paper IV). The lowest net CO2 emissions were obtained with the landscape dominated by younger stands with rotation length of 60 and 80 years, regardless of site fertility type. The same was observed with the normal age-class distribution with rotation length of 120 years. The use of higher density of pre-commercial stand than that currently recommended in Finnish forestry together with timely thinning and fertilization could increase the stem wood production and the economic profitability of the management remarkably, but also simultaneously decrease the net CO2 emissions from the use of energy wood. Furthermore, the proper selection of genetic entries could increase also the productivity and potential of biomass recovery at least in Norway spruce (Paper I).

Potential of Photosynthesis as A Renewable Source of Energy and Materials

Potential of Photosynthesis as A Renewable Source of Energy and Materials Responding to recently published considerations concerning biomass as a renewable substitute for fossil fuels to provide at least part of the necessary total amount of primary energy annually consumed in an economy system the authors estimate capacity of photosynthesis in a case study of the Republic of Latvia (Eastern coast of the Baltic Sea). The calculations are made on the basis of recent inventory data on land use, distribution of forest land between the stands of the main dominating species, and the average level of forest productivity specific to species at felling age. Sustainable annual supply of dry biomass from the present forest area available for economic purposes is estimated being equal to 3.7 million metric tons the energy equivalent of species (aspen and grey alder) traditionally harvested for firewood including logging residues from timber wood comprising ~ 13 thousand GWh, which is equal to ~ 24% of the present annual consumption of primary energy.

Effects of Emissions From Cedar Timber on Psychological and Physiological Factors in Indoor Environment

PP-29-130 Background/Aims: Improvements in health conditions or symptoms of occupants have been observed after installing indoors the natural wood timber not laminated or composited. However, the scientific evidence has not been almost cleared. Effects of cedar timber as a material for controlling humidity and contamination in indoor environment have been reported. Effects of components extracted from cedar timber on reducing human stress have also been reported. Hence, if positive influence due to cedar timber in indoor environment could be scientifically available, indoor environment that contributes to health improvement or promotion could be proposed. Our purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of emissions from cedar timber on psychological and physiological factors in indoor environment. Methods: A case control study was conducted in which 10 subjects on crossover design occupied in 2 rooms controlled on interior materials, indoor climate, and room size. Cedar timber was installed in one of the rooms and covered by curtain so that the subjects could not notice it. Salivary amylase, salivary cortisol, blood pressure, and heart rate variability were measured, and a questionnaire survey on psychological factors was conducted. Indoor volatile organic compounds were also measured. Results: We found higher mean concentrations of cedrol and β-eudesmol in indoor air among cases than among controls (4.5 vs. 0.08 μg/m3 and 6.3 vs. 0.02 μg/m3, respectively). No significant differences were found in amylase activity, cortisol concentration, blood pressure, and heart rate variability between both subjects. In a questionnaire survey on psychological factors, no significant differences were also found in tension, depression, anger, vigor, fatigue, and confusion. A significant decrease in vigor was found in the control subjects between before and after entering the room but such decrease was not found in the case subjects. Conclusion: Our result showed a slight change on vigor in short-term exposure to cedar timber.

Skogen och utmarken före skiftena

The aim of this paper is to discuss the definition of the woodlands and grazing land outside the infield enclosure of hamlets in rural Sweden during the 17th century. It will also discuss the access to these areas of land. Traditionally these resources are considered accessible for all the rural inhabitants for several purposes; such as grazing, charcoal burning and wood for timber and heating. This analysis will show that access to the woodlands and grazing land was not open for all. It was connected to the ownership and acreage of arable land. The main sources are the geometrical cadastral maps, 1630-1655, with focus on the provinces Småland and Östergötland.

Sylvatic and peridomestic populations of Triatoma pseudomaculata are not significantly structured by habitat, as revealed by two genetic markers

Chagas disease remains a public health concern in Brazil and other Latin American countries, mainly due to the potential domiciliation of native triatomine species. We analyzed the genetic variability of Triatoma pseudomaculata in sylvatic and peridomestic ecotopes throughout three localities in the northeastern state of Bahia, Brazil. We studied polymorphisms generated by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and isoenzyme electrophoresis analyses. Based on RAPD analysis, each specimen was assigned to one of three genetic clusters. Although all sylvatic specimens from one locality were grouped into the same cluster, sylvatic and peridomestic specimens from the other two localities were broadly distributed between the remaining two clusters, suggesting that geographic population structuring was not occurring. Furthermore, isoenzyme analysis suggested that distinct populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Low statistical values for Wright's Fst index also supported the absence of population structuring and suggested the occurrence of panmixia. We conclude that genetic flow occurs between sylvatic and peridomestic T. pseudomaculata populations, probably as a consequence of passive and active dispersion of the insects, associated with deforestation and anthropic transformations.

Econometric analysis of the micro-level determinants of woodland conversion to arable cropping and implications to policy in Eastern Nigeria

(18.3%), fuel wood exploitation (15%) and timber and non-timber exploitation (14.3%) in that order. Regression analysis indicated that up to 78% of woodland conversion was attributed to farmers' characteristics and decision parameters. Econometric estimation indicated that land per capita, leadership status, poverty level, land tenure, dependency on woodland resources for fuel wood and income were negative but statistically significant at 5% probability. A test of significance of the parameter estimates of the variables indicated that 15 out of 17 woodland factors under study were statistically significant in their deterministic role to woodland conversion behavior of the rural farmers. Sign-wise, 8 determinants showed direct relationship with the conversion process. These were land per capital, leadership status, market access, age, land tenure regime, economic orientation/poverty level, dependency on woodland for income and dependency on fuel wood for domestic energy. The remaining determinants have indirect (that is, positive) relationship with the conversion phenomenon and therefore positively related to woodland retention.

Potential Energy Wood Production with Implications to Timber Recovery and Carbon Stocks Under Varying Thinning and Climate Scenarios in Finland

An ecosystem model (Sima) was used to investigate the impact of climate and varying thinning regimes concurrently on energy wood and timber production as well as on growth and carbon stocks during 2010–2099 in southern (below 64° N) and northern (above 64° N) Finland. The analysis was carried out using sample plots from the ninth National Forest Inventory. According to the results, both energy wood and timber production increased under the changing climate, with this effect being found to be higher in northern compared to southern Finland. In relative terms, the effect of forest structure, however, was more pronounced than that of climate, especially in southern Finland. Increased basal area thinning thresholds enhanced carbon stocks compared with current thinning regime. In addition, increased thinning thresholds enhanced concurrently energy wood production (at final felling) and timber production during the period 2040–2069 and merely energy wood production (at final felling) during 2070–2099. In absolute terms, the production potential of energy wood at energy wood thinning was found to be higher in northern compared with southern Finland, but the case was opposite at final felling both in current and changing climate. It was concluded that a concurrent increase in energy wood and timber production as well as carbon stocks would be possible in Finnish forests if thinning was performed at a higher tree stocking level than in the current recommendations.