Wood and wood-based composites are being used extensively in single-family residential dwellings. Therefore, it is important to categorize their response when exposed to elevated temperatures for a sustained period of time. In fire-resistant design for wood structures, the main goal is to ensure that enough structural integrity is maintained, during...
The construction industry has relied heavily on wood and wood-based composites, such as oriented strand board (OSB) and plywood for timber frame construction. Therefore, it is highly imperative to categorize the response of wood-based composites when exposed to elevated temperatures for a sustained period of time. The essence of fire-resistant...
This study investigates the applicability of the database-assisted design (DAD) methodology to predict structural reactions in a light-framed wood structure subjected to fluctuating wind pressures. Structural influence functions were determined on a 1/3-scale light-frame wood structure, which was then subjected to a wind flow, while the surface pressures and structural...
The assessment of losses during extreme events such as hurricanes is important for performance-based design of residential buildings. In this paper, a methodology for estimating the probability of debris impact, specifically roof sheathing panels, to windows as a result of hurricanes is introduced and applied to a series of illustrative...
The forces exerted on light-frame wood buildings as a result of surge and waves are not fully understood. With a better understanding of these types of forces, it may eventually be possible to build coastal structures to better withstand the loads. In this paper, a recent two part experimental study...
The United States spends about $2 billion each year fighting wildfires. While it is a costly operation, mechanized thinning of dense federal forests is one preventative strategy that generates high volumes of small logs. These small logs are often used for wood chips, pulp, or biomass because of the high...
Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) is a conifer that is native to Oregon, California, Washington, Nevada, and Idaho. Juniper is known to have highly decay resistant heartwood and is a popular choice for finished furniture. With recent forest management practices over the past 100 years have resulted in an immense population...
Spalting fungi show strong potential as natural colorants on a variety of materials, specifically textiles and wood. Four species of spalting fungi are currently utilized in this manner: Scytalidium cuboideum, which produces a red pigment called draconin red, Scytalidium ganodermophthorum, that produces an unknown yellow pigment, and Chlorociboria aeruginosa and...
Moisture durability is essential for wood composites, especially those used in building construction, where products are prone to weathering. The primary focus of this research was to determine if adhesive penetration into the cell wall has a positive influence on adhesive bond durability. To fully understand the measureable effects of...
Boron and boron compounds have been long used for pressure treatment, dip-diffusion, and remedial treatments of wood because of their proven efficacy against fungi and insects. These materials are especially attractive because their high water solubility promotes deeper penetration into wood. Other useful properties of boron include its neutral pH,...