Environmental restrictions have induced many sawmills to seek alternatives to pentachlorophenol (penta) or similar chlorinated phenols to control fungal sapstains on green lumber. Five alternative preventives were evaluated against a traditional penta product (Permatox 101) on Douglas-fir, hem-fir, and pine lumber in an accelerated 6-week test on small specimens in...
Production of hardwood lumber (mostly red alder) has been a small but growing part of the forest products industry in the Pacific Northwest. In laboratory tests, Rodewod® 200 EC plus borax protected alder at nearly all levels tested. Eight other chemicals provided some protection at the highest level tested. Fungal-stain...
Untreated and preservative-treated fence posts were exposed in soil at a test site near Corvallis, OR. Several species, including western juniper and Osage-orange, showed exceptional natural durability. Preservative treatment generally extended the useful life of the posts, but the degree of protection varied with the chemical and the application method.
The specification, inspection, and remedial treatment of utility poles are addressed. Included are discussions of enhancing specifications for improved performance, techniques for detecting decay and other defects, and chemical treatments available for arresting decay of poles in service.
The resistance of three naturally durable heartwood species and a stranded giant bamboo product to fungal and termite (Coptotermes formosanus) attack was evaluated at a test site located near Hilo, Hawaii. Merbau (Intsia bijuga or I. palembanica) and ipe (Tabebuia spp.) were both exceptionally resistant to fungal and termite attack,...