Chestnut wood in compression perpendicular to the grain : non-destructive correlations for test results in new and old wood

This paper addresses the evaluation of the compressive properties of chestnut wood under compression perpendicular to the grain, using destructive and non-destructive methods. Three non-destructive methods (ultrasonic testing, Resistograph and Pilodyn) are proposed and the possibility of their application is discussed based on the application of simple linear regression models. Timber specimens were tested up to failure, divided in two different groups for assessing a possible load history related degradation, namely New Chestnut Wood (NCW), never been used structurally, and Old Chestnut Wood (OCW), obtained from structural elements belonging to ancient buildings. The specimens were also divided into four groups according to the orientation of annual growth rings towards load and wave propagation direction. The results show, in general, good correlations between compression strength and stiffness with non-destructive techniques via ultrasonic testing, Resistograph and Pilodyn. However, the orientation of the loading direction with respect to the annual growth rings must be taken into account. This conclusion, and the observation that NCW and OCW shows correlations and regression models usually different, add additional complexity to the quantitative use of non-destructive evaluation techniques for the assessment of the mechanical behaviour of timber elements.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) - SFRH/BD/ 5002/200

Testing and modeling of a traditional timber mortise and tenon joint

The structural safety and behaviour of traditional timber structures depends significantly on the performance of their connections. The behaviour of a traditional mortise and tenon timber joint is addressed using physical testing of full-scale specimens. New chestnut wood and old chestnut wood obtained from structural elements belonging to ancient buildings is used. In addition, the performance of different semi and non-destructive techniques for assessing global strength is also evaluated. For this purpose, ultrasonic testing, micro-drilling and surface penetration are considered, and the possibility of their application is discussed based on the application of simple linear regression models. Finally, nonlinear finite element analysis is used to better understand the behaviour observed in the full-scale experiments, in terms of failure mode and ultimate load. The results show that the ultrasonic pulse velocity through the joint provides a reasonable estimate for the effective- ness of the assembly between the rafter and brace and novel linear regressions are proposed. The failure mechanism and load–displacement diagrams observed in the experiments are well captured by the proposed non-linear finite element analysis, and the parameters that affect mostly the ultimate load of the timber joint are the compressive strength of wood perpendicular to the grain and the normal stiffness of the interface elements representing the contact between rafter and brace

Feasibility of creosote treatment for glued-laminated pine-timber railway sleepers

This article studies the possibility of using market available glued-laminated timber (GLT) based on melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) adhesives as an alternative to traditional solid timber sleepers. The study comprised an examination of the effect of creosote treatment on the short-term and durability after accelerated aging of the glue lines (delamination and shear strength) and the potential for full sapwood penetration by the creosote. Creosote treatment showed a negative effect on shear strength and delamination, more severe in the nonstructural than the structural GLT specimens tested. Full penetration of creosote into the sapwood was not achieved. GLT elements based on MUF adhesives can be considered an alternative to solid wood sleepers if specific grading of lamellas, proper treatment schedule, and highly controlled factory production are implemented