From data available in previous Spanish research studies, a draft grading system for recovered timber was designed. This system was improved in collaboration with a Slovenian researcher and validated with softwoods and hardwoods from various European sources and companies. New technology, such as infrared thermography, was adapted to estimate recovered timber density and validated with hardwood timber. The grading system was successfully designed based on very affordable technology to be accessible for both big and small companies.
After several meetings with European standardization committees, it was concluded that, in order to develop a standard from the grading system, a new framework different from the current one should be created to allocate the recovered timber grading system. The results were disseminated through free publications and conferences. They were also communicated to last-year students, international masters, and professionals studying a Timber Construction master through a dedicated blog [https://recowers.wordpress.com/] and Instagram account (@recowers_project). Results will be presented in June 2024 at the Forum Holzbau Pamplona, the largest timber construction industry event in Spain.
A main result of the project was the inclusion of recovered timber grading as a requirement for European standardization in the next 5 years. Currently, a process is open to harmonizing European standards according to ACQUIS objectives. Due to the project, recovered timber grading was included as an objective.
Starting in April 2024, a new European ForestValue2 project called TiReX, involving Spain, Norway, Finland, Latvia, Poland, and Slovenia, will expand the research needs to finally create a European standard.
