Research Brief #27

Merchandizing Solutions for Standard Hardwood Pulpwood-Size Logs
(La Tech FPL-1.4)
Louisiana Forest Products Development Center
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA

Research Objectives

The purpose of this study is to look at possible multiple product yields from hardwood pulpwood-size logs so that optimal decisions can be made regarding utilization as pulpwood, small saw logs, or peeler blocks.

Synopsis of Results

Field sampling of hardwood pulpwood-size logs was done in connection with a hardwood pulpwood harvesting operation in north Louisiana. Field measurements were taken on 32 mixed hardwoods, including species, age, and diameter outside-bark and bark thickness- at 4-foot intervals up the stem and along branches to a 3-inch minimum diameter.

Conclusions

The average shear strength decreased with the increase of tension perpendicular-to-grain stress and vice-versa. The results of the study clearly demonstrated the need to account for the interaction of these stresses in design. Norris' interaction equation was found to overestimate the strength of the wood material subject to the combined stress condition. The need for a careful examination of the interaction behavior in other species and glued laminated timber was established.

Progress

Summarization of data are in progress

Researchers

Mark D. Gibson, Assistant Professor
Wood Utilization

George A. Grozdits, Research Associate
Louisiana Forest Products Laboratory,
Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, Louisiana

Target Group

Louisiana forest managers and wood products manufacturers interested in wood quality and its effect on wood processing.

Methodology

Basic research.