Thesis
Thermally modified composite wood-strand panels for building construction applications
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
05/2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000000059
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/111526
Abstract
Mass timber construction is rapidly growing in North America, given its versatility and performance. Additionally, wood has a high strength to weight ratio and low environmental impact
in contrast with other construction materials. Nevertheless, durability is a significant concern that
needs to be addressed for the advancement of mass timber construction. Extreme care is required to
protect members from exposure to high moisture environments while ensuring long-term durability. This project thus focuses on improvements of wood’s longevity by combating two main issues:
dimensional stability and decay resistance to biological organisms. At the same time, a sustainable approach is considered while utilizing small-diameter logs, which optimizes forest industry
products. This is all achieved with the fabrication of Cross Laminated Strand-Veneer-Lumber
(CLSVL) out of thermally modified wood strands. State-of-the-art concepts and technologies are implemented in the treatment process, fabrication, and assessment of the material. At first, wood
strands are treated at different temperatures to understand its implications. A look at wettability,
water sorption, and wood structure is used for this analysis. Furthermore, a series of macro-level
mechanical benchmark tests in thin plies are conducted, such as internal bonding and bending.
Later, accelerated decay tests are done to assess the improvement of wood’s resistance to rot fungi.
Finally, these analyses are used to systematically understand the thermal modification to obtain
the best performing material to be used in the fabrication of mass timber as CLSVL, where its
uni-axial out-of-plane bending performance is evaluated
Metrics
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Details
- Title
- Thermally modified composite wood-strand panels for building construction applications
- Creators
- Ruben Jerves
- Contributors
- VIKRAM YADAMA (Degree Supervisor) - Washington State University, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department ofDONALD A BENDER (Committee Member) - Washington State University, Composite Materials and Engineering CenterADAM PHILLIPS (Committee Member) - Washington State University, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 140
- Identifiers
- 99900587063401842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis