Light transmittance and reflectance were measured in 21 conifer species using a spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere and light within a wavelength range of 500-1200 nm, to clarify the variety of longitudinal light transmitting properties among wood species. Transmittance values...

Context: Machine strength grading of sawn timber is an important value adding process for the sawmilling industry. Aims: The purpose of this paper has been to compare the accuracy of several indicating properties (IPs) to bending strength when applied to Norway spruce (Picea abies L.), Douglas fir...

The large variation in knot characteristics within and between trees and stands makes proper interpretation of wood properties in the different steps along the forest-to-forest product conversion chain difficult and makes production and use of wood a challenge. Finding good methods and models to...

In response to changes in forest management and conversion practices, concern has arisen that some solid wood products manufactured today exhibit decreased strength and stiffness properties (modulus of rupture [MOR] and modulus of elasticity [MOE]) compared with those manufactured in the past. This ...

High temporal resolution measurements of wood anatomy and the isotopic composition in tree-rings have the potential to enhance our interpretation of climate variability, but the sources of variation within the growing season are still not well understood. Here we test the response of wood...

Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is a valuable conifer timber species. It has a thick bark with a high proportion of cork in the rhytidome that allows considering its recovery. This study focuses on the characterization of the bark features and their variation with cambial age along the stem...

The use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), as an environmentally sustainable building material, has generated significant interest among the wood products industry, architects and policy makers in Washington State. However, the environmental impacts of CLT panels can vary significantly depending on...

Lumber and veneer recovery from Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees depend on the size and distribution of knots. Two approaches have been used to simulate the effect of knots on recovery of these products: (i) prediction of recovery based on mill studies and (ii) simulated...

Context: The relationship between silvicultural management and the quality of timber produced is not entirely elucidated. Aims: The effects of thinning on structural grade-determining properties of wood (elastic modulus, bending strength and density) were studied on Douglas fir ((Pseudotsuga...

Important physical and mechanical properties were evaluated for Douglas-fir wood produced in a non-native environment. The specimens were obtained from 15 healthy co-dominant trees growing in three different sites located in the Czech Republic; they were studied for density, shrinkage, compression, ...