Bending strength and modulus of elasticity of Pinus sylvestris round timber from southern Norway

Abstract

To enable use of round Scots pine timber in structural frameworks it is necessary to estimate the mechanical properties of the material. This paper presents data on density, bending strength and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 533 debarked Scots pine logs with diameter from 75 mm to 250 mm sampled from 10 sites in southern Norway. The results show that round timber can have high values of bending strength and MOE, depending on the sites from which the trees have been collected. Some of the variation in bending properties can be explained by visual characteristics, but since a significant proportion of the residual variance is related to sites, criteria for visual strength grading have to be conservative to be valid across all sites. The potential for machine grading based on measuring MOE is better since this model is more accurate and the random effect of site is smaller.     

Deformation induced by ethanol substitution in normal and tension wood of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) and simarouba (Simarouba amara Aubl.)

Wood deformation in the longitudinal and tangential directions induced by ethanol substitution and oven-drying was measured in normal wood (NW) and tension wood (TW) of chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) (TW with G-fibres) and simarouba (Simarouba amara Aubl.) (TW without G-fibres). The results show that with increased concentration of ethanol solution TW tends to contract, regardless of the presence or absence of G-fibres. In contrast, both NW and opposite wood expand at different rates in the longitudinal direction. These results are discussed and explained by the role of stress state at cell wall level.     

Detection,description, and technological properties of colour aberration in wood of standards and shoots from a chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) coppice stand

European Journal of Forest Research - Sweet chestnut forests occupy an important role in Italy and Europe, its resilience is often affected by aggressive pathogen attack. In the last times some...     

BFRP筋增强胶合木梁受力性能分析

为有效提高胶合木梁的抗弯刚度,以东北落叶松为基材,制作了6组(1组未加筋和5组加筋)、每组3根共18根胶合木试验梁,分别对BFRP筋增强胶合木梁和纯胶合木梁的受力性能、破坏形态和极限承载力进行了试验研究,测试了荷载、挠度、应变、裂缝的发生以及发展状况等。同时,根据各试验梁的破坏形态,对比分析了BFRP筋增强胶合木梁和纯胶合木梁的破坏机理及不同配筋率情况下BFRP筋增强胶合木梁的抗弯刚度与极限承载力。结果表明:1)BFRP筋增强胶合木梁和纯胶合木梁的破坏形态类似,均呈现受拉脆性破坏、受拉延性破坏和受压延性破坏三种破坏形态;即配筋率小于0.77%时,BFRP筋增强胶合木梁为受拉脆性破坏,配筋率为0.77%～1.51%时,为受拉延性破坏,配筋率大于1.51%时,为受压延性破坏;且前二者破坏均有明显的裂缝发生、发展过程。2)BFRP筋不仅明显改善了胶合木梁的延性性能,还延缓了胶合木梁的受拉脆性破坏时间,大大提高胶合木梁的抗弯刚度,从而充分发挥梁顶受压区胶合木的强度,同时使胶合木梁的承载能力也得到提高。3)当配筋率增大到超筋后,其承载能力不再继续增大。     

MALDI-TOF, HPLC-ESI-TOF and 13C-NMR characterization of chestnut (Castanea sativa) shell tannins for wood adhesives

MALDI-TOF, HPLC-ESI-TOF and 13C-NMR techniques were used to analyse the structure of non-purified aqueous chestnut shell tannin extracts. In addition, the influence of the extraction agent (water or aqueous solutions of Na₂SO₃ and/or NaOH) on tannin structure was analysed by MALDI-TOF in order to select the extract with the best properties for wood adhesives. Using HPLC-ESI-TOF, catechin/epicatechin, gallocatechin/epigallocatechin, dicatechin structures, dicatechin structures without a hydroxyl group, galloyl-glucoses and ellagic acid were identified as the main monomeric components in the aqueous extract. 13C-NMR and MALDI-TOF spectra revealed that extracts are mostly composed of procyanidin and prodelphinidin structures although prorobinetidins might be also present. MALDI-TOF spectrometry was used to identify the extract oligomeric components. Extractions with Na₂SO₃ and/or NaOH produced changes in the predominant structures in the extracts and on the amount of sugar units linked to the flavonoid structures, which decreased in the presence of Na₂SO₃. Extract obtained using low Na₂SO₃ and NaOH concentrations (1.5 and 0.75 %, respectively) was selected as more suitable for wood adhesive preparation.     

Simulated yield and quality distribution of sawn timber from final felling in a Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] stand with varying thinning regimes: A case study

Abstract

An integrated simulation tool, formed by integrating the InnoSIM sawing simulation system with the RetroSTEM simulator, was used to convert available wood raw materials from final felling into sawn timber, allowing for calculation of the three-dimensional wood properties of individual stems (stem geometry, heartwood formation, knottiness) as well as the volume, quality and value of sawn timber in a Norway spruce stand with different thinning regimes (unthinned, normal and intensively thinned). Based on the input data of sawing patterns, the simulations indicate that there are relatively small differences (<8%) in the volume yield (m³ha^?1) of sawn goods resulting from sawlogs available from final felling with different thinning practices. However, intensive thinning yielded the largest stem diameters and the greatest volumes (m³ha^?1) of large-sized centre goods (thickness: 50, 63, 75 mm) of rather poor quality. Normal thinning yielded the largest volume of A-grade side boards and centre goods (m³ha^?1), as well as the best total value ([euro]ha^?1) of sawn timber. Differences observed in sawn timber quality distribution can contribute to even more significant variation in value yields, if pricing mechanisms of timber products change to favour higher grade timber products.     

Effects of early re-spacing on the physical and mechanical properties of Sitka spruce structural timber

The effects of early re-spacing on the physical and mechanical properties of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis [Bong.] Carr.) structural-dimensioned timber were studied using material from a fully replicated 57-year-old trial located in Northern Ireland, which had been thinned at age 11 years. Basic density, distortion (spring, twist and bow), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) in bending of structural timber from four different re-spacing treatments (1.83 m × 3.66 m, 3.66 m × 3.66 m, 3.66 m × 5.49 m and 5.49 m × 5.49 m) were compared with those of timber from a control (1.83 m × 1.83 m). Re-spacing intensity had a significant effect on both modulus of elasticity (p = 0.006) and modulus of rupture (p = 0.009), but not on basic density (p = 0.379) or distortion (p > 0.200). Timber from the two widest re-spacing treatments failed to meet the requirements for the C14 strength class, while timber from the control met the requirements for the C16 strength class. Both MOE and MOR were significantly and negatively associated with knot size and frequency, which in turn increased with re-spacing intensity. Overall, re-spacing intensity only explained approximately 10% of the total amount of variation in both MOE and MOR, with most of the variation due to inter- and intra-tree differences within a treatment. Based on these results, re-spacing of Sitka spruce to a residual stand density of less than 900 trees/ha (3.33 m × 3.33 m) is not recommended if the goal of management is to produce C16 structural timber.     

The effects of propagation environment on the rooting of leafy cuttings of ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.), and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.)

The effect of propagation environment on the rooting of field collected leafy cuttings of ash (Fraxinus excelsior, sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) was investigated in two experiments. In the first experiment, rooting of all three species in mist enclosed inside a polythene tent was greater than 50%, while rooting of ash cuttings was reduced from 63% in enclosed mist to only 16% in open mist. Rooting in open mist, enclosed mist, and contact polythene was studied in a second experiment. Sycamore cuttings rooted equally well in the two mist systems with an average rooting of 78%. In contrast cuttings of both ash and sweet chestnut rooted most under the enclosed mist system, at 64 and 46% respectively. Rooting of ash cuttings was again depressed in the open mist system where less than 30% of cuttings rooted. This reduction was related to an increase in the percentage of cuttings which remained alive without rooting, while showing proliferation of callus at the cutting base. The percentage of sweet chestnut cuttings which callused without rooting was also much greater in the open mist system than in enclosed mist or contact polythene.     

Analysis of determination methods for characteristic timber properties as related to growth area and grade yield

The origin of the raw material is a key aspect for strength grading of timber. Large grading areas are favored by the sawmilling industry as they require less effort in handling and documentation during the production process. However, large growth areas can also cause problems, as too high mechanical properties can be declared or yields may become uneconomical. The presented study presents a method that should allow for timber from different countries to be combined into a single grading area. Additionally, the influence on the yield for guaranteeing timber properties for differently defined populations is analysed. In this process, a number of available calculation methods for characteristic values for modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and density are considered as the determination method also influences the final yield. Non-destructive and destructive test data from 8487 spruce specimens from Europe tested in bending or tension are the basis for the presented study. Based on the grading results the presented method is able to simply identify countries that may be combined. The definition of pan-European grading areas seems problematic if characteristic timber properties need to be guaranteed separately for each individual country as it may result in a severe drop in yield. However, checking timber properties only for the European population is unsatisfying as calculated timber properties considerably vary depending on the origin. As for the calculation method, the preferred method itself seems to have less impact on bending class assignments then on tension class assignments.     

Effect of log position in European Larch (Larix decidua Mill.) tree on the technological properties of particleboard

The impact of log position in European Larch (Larix decidua Mill.) tree on the physical, mechanical, and surface properties of the particleboard was investigated. The logs were divided into five segments from the butt to the top of tree, which were 0–3 m, 3–6 m, 6–9 m, 9–12 m, and 12–15 m, respectively. The fiber length and wall thickness of the wood decreased with the increase in the tree height while the lumen diameter decreased. Similarly, the amount of cellulose and lignin decreased with the increase in tree height while the amount of hemicelluloses increased. The highest solubility values (hot and cold water, NaOH, and alcohol-benzene) and pH of the wood were found in the butt log, followed by the middle log, and top log, respectively. The physical (thickness swelling, water absorption) and mechanical properties (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond), and surface quality (surface roughness and contact angle) of the particleboards were negatively affected by increasing tree height. The best properties were obtained for the particleboards produced from the particles of the butt log (0–3 m).     

Purification and characterization of polyphenol oxidase from Henry chestnuts (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Castanea henryi</Emphasis>)

Polyphenol oxidase from Castanea henryi nuts was partially purified. Some characteristics of the enzyme were then determined to help devise measures for the prevention of undesirable enzymatic browning during storage and processing of the nuts. Preparation of acetone powder extracts of the nuts, ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis, and gel filtration resulted in 37-fold purification of the enzyme with a yield of 13%. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the excitation spectrum confirmed the enzyme preparation to be homogeneous. The approximate molecular weight of the enzyme was determined by gel filtration to be 69kD. The enzyme catalyzed the oxidation of catechol and pyrogallic acid as substrates but did not affect cresol or tyrosine. Using catechol as substrate, p-nitrophenol, thiourea, orcinol, and naphthol showed strong inhibition. The optimal pH and temperature for the enzyme were pH 5.0 and 40°C, respectively. The enzyme proved heat labile. When the enzyme was incubated at 70°C for 30min, the remaining activity of the enzyme was only 8%. Possible approaches to applying the results of this study to the prevention of enzymatic browning in the production of C. henryi nuts is also discussed.     

Effects of impregnation and heat treatment on the physical and mechanical properties of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) wood

Wood modification, of which thermal modification is one of the best-known methods, offers possible improvement in wood properties without imposing undue strain on the environment. This study investigates improvement of the properties of heat-treated solid wood. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) was modified in two stages: impregnation with modifiers followed by heat treatment at different temperatures. The impregnation was done with water glass, melamine, silicone, and tall oil. The heat treatment was performed at the temperatures of 180°C and 212°C for three hours. The modified samples were analyzed using performance indicators and scanning electron microscope micrographs. The mechanical and physical properties were determined with water absorption, swelling, bending strength, and impact strength tests. All the modifiers penetrated better into sapwood than hardwood; however, there were significant differences in the impregnation behavior of the modifiers. As regards the effect of heat treatment, generally the moisture properties were improved and mechanical strengths impaired with increasing treatment temperature. In contrast to previous studies, the bending strength increased after melamine impregnation and mild heat treatment. It is concluded that the properties of impregnated wood can be enhanced by moderate heat treatment.     

Modelling day-to-day stem diameter variation and annual growth of balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) from daily climate

In the present context of global climate changes and the continuous development of forest management strategies based on the concept of sustainable use, it is important to develop a better understanding of the climatic factors controlling the growth of boreal forests. In this study, we report the results of a five-year field research within which day-to-day balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.) stem diameter variation was measured with dendrometers and examined in relation with various daily climatic variables. A model built with data from three growing seasons that included solar radiation, relative humidity, temperature and precipitation explained 84% of the variance in day-to-day stem diameter variation from June to September. The model has approximately the same predictive capability when validated with independent daily data from two other growing seasons. The model captured both the cumulative increment associated with the irreversible growth and the high frequency variation of day-to-day fluctuations associated to changes in the stem water content. In general, rainy days during which relative humidity was high and solar radiation was low favored stem diameter expansion (growth and swelling) while stem diameter decreased during periods of low relative humidity and high solar radiation. Similar models were obtained when the June-September period was divided into two parts (June-July and August-September) to better represent the period during which most of the cumulative annual stem increment is observed (June-July). Inter-annual variation in stem growth computed from the modeled day-to-day variation in stem diameter was significantly correlated to the inter-annual variation in annual growth determined from tree core measurements over a 10 year period (p = 0.023). The model was notably able to capture a particularly poor growing year (2006) presumably due to a short-term heat stress period. Results suggest that the inclusion of daily data in growth-climate models may contribute to improve predictions of the potential tree growth response to climate by identifying particular climatic events that may escape to a classical dendroclimatic approach.     

Influence of a long-term storage in anaerobic conditions on Norway spruce (Picea abies,L. Karst.) physical and mechanical wood properties

Timber storage is a key aspect of storm damage management. After huge storms, sprinkling storage is usually the most used conservation process but anaerobic storage in sealed silos appears as good alternative to preserve wood quality over long periods. This paper investigates the impact of long-term (57 months) storage of Norway spruce logs in anaerobic atmosphere on wood properties. Tests were performed on clear wood specimens and on lumbers to determine the modulus of elasticity (E), the static bending strength (σ_f) and the dynamic bending strength (K). Storage effects on impregnability and colour variation were also studied. Results show no effect of storage on E, σ_f and K. The naturally poor impregnability of Norway spruce is not improved by the anaerobic conditions, compared to traditional wet storage. Triangle tests reveal no discernible colour variation between logs that underwent anaerobic storage and the control sample. As a conclusion, despite a mould (Gliocladium solani) frequently observed on logs surface after the storage, the process offers ideal conservation conditions. While overall cost remains the main drawback for using anaerobic storage at large scale, the process can be recommended for high value logs, especially since it has few environmental impacts.     

Effect of thermal modification temperature on the mechanical properties,dimensional stability,and biological durability of black spruce (Picea mariana)

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of thermal modification temperature on the mechanical properties, dimensional stability, and biological durability of Picea mariana. The boards were thermally modified at different temperatures 190, 200 and 210 °C. The results indicated that the thermal modification of wood caused a significant decrease in the modulus of rupture (MOR) after 190 °C, while the modulus of elasticity (MOE) seemed less affected with a slight increase up to 200 °C and slight decrease with further increase in temperature. The hardness of the thermally modified wood increased in the axial direction. This increase was also observed in tangential and axial directions but at a lesser extent. The final value was slightly higher in axial direction and lower in radial and tangential directions compared to those of the untreated wood. Dimensional stability improved with thermal modification in the three directions compared to the dimensional stability of unmodified wood. The fungal degradation results showed that the decay resistance of thermally modified wood against the wood-rotting fungi Trametes versicolor and Gloephyllum trabeum improved compared to that of the untreated wood. By contrast, the thermal modification of P. mariana had a limited effect on the degradation caused by the fungus Poria placenta.     

Phytocomplexes from liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) leaves--chemical characterization and evaluation of their antioxidant, anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory activity

Three extracts of different polarities of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. leaves were characterized and evaluated for their antioxidant, anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory activity. In total, thirty components have been identified and quantified through the use of liquid chromatography (LC) with ultraviolet-visible diode-array-detector (UV-vis-DAD) and mass spectrometry (MS). The main components belong to the polyphenols family, being flavonoid and dihydrostilbene derivatives. The extracts have been investigated for their antioxidant, anti-genotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities, which are fundamental requirements of efficacious chemo-preventive agents. The ethyl acetate extract proved to be the most valuable, evidently for the conspicuous presence of several polyphenols, namely flavonoids and dihydrostilbenes.     

Structural characterization and radioprotection of bone marrow hematopoiesis of two novel polysaccharides from the root of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels

Two novel homogeneous polysaccharides, APS-1a and APS-3a were successfully isolated from the root of Angelica sinensis. APS-1a was composed of galactose, arabinose and glucose in a relatively molar percentage of 57.34%, 27.67% and 14.98%, and had a molecular weight of 49.0 kDa, whereas APS-3a was composed of galactose, arabinose and glucose in a relatively molar percentage of 84.54%, 6.50%, and 8.96%, and had a molecular weight of 65.4 kDa. APS-1a and APS-3a mainly consisted of 1,4-linked galactose, 1,3,6-linked galactose, T-galactose and T-arabinose, and the molar ratio of each linkage was different between APS-1a and APS-3a. The bioactivity analysis showed that APS-1a and APS-3a increased the thymus and spleen index, the number of red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) in peripheral blood and the cellularity of bone marrow cell numbers in irradiated mice, protected mice against radiation-induced micronucleus formation in bone marrow, suggesting that polysaccharides could be used as radioprotective agents, especially for promoting bone marrow hematopoiesis.