Objective
Timber is an important construction material frequently used in the whole of Europe. Whilst it is an environment-friendly material its basic problem is the variation in its mechanical properties. Each individual piece of timber must therefore be graded in order to ensure that it can be used safely in construction. Timber can be graded by visually looking at defects and applying certain criteria. Automatic grading is much more effective saving time, money and resources, the potential annual saving for Europe being estimated at 0.5 - 1.5 billion ECU. The majority of timber stress grading machines test the timber by measuring the stiffness at small increments along the length (bending type). This being a dynamic process it became increasingly obvious that the calibration of grading machines must be done dynamically in order to correctly describe their performances. Although about 150 bending type machines are already being used appropriate calibration procedures and planks do not yet exist.
The aim of the project is therefore to develop appropriate calibration procedures and calibration planks which would permit all parties involved to operate the same level of acceptance. Based on the findings of the project certified planks could be made available to all interested parties.
Status:
In progress.
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
WD2 7JR Watford
United Kingdom