Routine inspection of wood utility poles to detect internal decay involves drilling holes at or about the ground line. While these holes are useful for detecting internal decay, their presence raises concern among engineers about their potential effects on pole flexural properties. The effect of inspection holes on flexural properties...
The effects of supercritical fluid (SCF) impregnation on physical properties of composites were investigated at various pressures, temperatures, and treatment times with carbon dioxide as the fluid and tebuconazole as a biocide. In general, within the ranges tested, SCF treatment had no negative effects on modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus...
Assessing the impact of fungal decay in wood structures poses a major challenge for building inspectors. Although models have been developed to predict degradation rate of building components in varying climatic conditions, most are hampered by the lack of fundamental data on effects of fungal attack on engineering properties. Developing...
Evaluations of previously established field trials indicate that
chioropicrin, and Vorlex continue to provide protection to Douglas-fir poles,
although the degree of protection is diminishing. Reapplication of Vapam 18
years after the initial application eliminated fungi which had recolonized the
poles. Methylisothiocyanate (MITC) continues to protect Douglas-fir poles 12
years...
Evaluations of previously established field trials indicate that
chioropicrin, and Vorlex continue to provide protection to Douglas-fir poles,
although the degree of protection is diminishing. Reapplication of Vapam 18
years after the initial application eliminated fungi which had recolonized the
poles. Methylisothiocyanate (MITC) continues to protect Douglas-fir poles 12
years...
This report describes the relationship of incising-induced strength loss in bending as a function of preservative treatment and incising pattern, density, and depth of penetration for various machine stress-rated (MSR) grades of full-size 2 by 4 Douglas-fir, Hem-Fir, and Spruce-Pine-Fir (South) dimension lumber. This study may represent a worst-case "incising...
The effect of pretreatment of Douglas-fir flakes with CCA-C, borate, and azaconazole on properties of flakeboard was studied. Flakes had higher retention levels of CCA-C and borate in their ends than in their centers. The distribution of chemicals was uniform in panels, which indicates that the chemicals did not migrate...
Preservative treatments are required whenever glued laminated beams are exposed outdoors. Treatments can be either water-based systems applied to individual laminations prior to layup or organic solvent–borne systems applied after the beams are fabricated. Water-based systems are not recommended for posttreatment because of concerns over checking and the potential for...
A new laboratory technique to simulate the initiation of wood decay and to assess the effects of incipient decay on material properties is described. Douglas-fir heartwood specimens were exposed to brown-rot (Postia placenta and Gloeophyllum trabeum) fungi for various periods. Bendlng properties were determined by nondestructive and destructive tests, and...
The potential for using pretreatment with cinnamon leaf oil or juniper foliage oil to improve the durability of viscoelastic thermal compression (VTC)–treated hybrid poplar was explored in a field termite test and a laboratory mold test. The addition of oils prior to VTC processing had variable effects on resistance to...