center for wood utilization research - oregon state...

Center for Wood Utilization Research

Final Center Report — December 2013

at Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR 97331 • (541) 737-2222 • USDA Special Grant

Final Center Report — December 2013

Center for Wood Utilization Researchat Oregon State University

A USDA NIFA Special Research Grant Program

ContentsExecutive Summary .................................................................... 3

Final Reports .............................................................................. 5

Improving Products and Processes to Enhance the Global Competitiveness of Oregon’s Wood Products Industry ............ 5

Discovering New Knowledge for Future Opportunities and Benefits ........................................................................... 6

Enhancing Engineering Applications for Wood and Wood-Based Products ............................................................. 8

Extending the Timber Resource through Improved Harvesting, Transportation, and Manufacturing ......................10

Science to Support Environmentally Responsible Wood Procurement ...........................................................................14

Publications, Theses, and Technology Transfer Activities and Presentations.......................................................................17

Steven D. Tesch, co-PI • Thomas Maness, co-PI

College of ForestryOregon State University109 Richardson HallCorvallis, OR 97331 USA (541) 737-2222 www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/woodscience.oregonstate.edu/research-community/wood-utilization-research

Note: Thomas E. McLain, now retired, served as co-PI when many of these projects were implemented.

Oregon State University College of Forestry — 3

Executive Summary

This report brings closure to the Wood Utilization Research (WUR) Program at Oregon State University as authorized and funded by Congress in PL89-106 in 1985. This has been a remarkable program of success

and achievement over 28 years. After starting with three Centers for Wood Utilization Research the program grew into a consortium of 13 partner universities that were devoted to maintaining a globally competitive U.S. forest products industry. A key strength was the flexibility for individual centers to address regional issues within the context of a national strategic plan.

Annual reports have documented WUR contributions to new science, technology, management approaches, and business practices. In addition to enhancing the competitiveness of the U.S. forest products industry, WUR research and technology transfer activities have maintained or expanded sustainable and environmentally acceptable forest operations and product manufacturing, and led to more efficient uses of renewable, wood-based materials for the benefit of Americans. Through its support for students, this program has made a major contribution to educating the next generation of renewable materials scientists and practitioners. The return on investment for taxpayers has been outstanding; WUR centers consistently leveraged the special grant by an average of 2.5X with additional state and private funds.

The potential payoff from new investments in renewable wood research in the future is enormous, including new building materials to support sustainably designed buildings, renewable bioenergy, high-value specialty chemicals, and nanocomposites, to list just a few examples. In Oregon, the global competitiveness of our domestic industry remains critical to providing jobs, especially in rural areas; reducing dependence on nonrenewable materials; and sustaining incentives for landowners to maintain private and public forests.

This report officially summarizes grant activities for FY 2012, but its preparation has been delayed to capture as many outputs as possible as faculty completed projects in this final year of the Center. Since the FY2011 annual report, WUR research generated 13 new publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals, applied journals, proceedings, or books. Eight graduate student theses were completed with WUR support. Technology transfer continued with one patent submission, and with research results conveyed through 30 activities to scientists and practitioners in industry, academe, and government agencies, as well as to policy and decision makers and the public.

Highlights of the research program since the last report include the following:

� A thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) process for modification of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Norway spruce, hybrid poplar, and beech was developed to improve resistance to water and improve mechanical properties without the addition of chemicals. The project has characterized the chemical changes and associated adhesive bonding characteristics of THM wood.

� Practical, linear modeling methods were developed for analyzing load paths in light-frame wood structures in high-wind zones, improving our knowledge of the system behavior and propagation of load paths through these structures. The results will be used to help establish effective building codes and retrofit options for homes in high risk areas, and will specifically inform the ASCE 7-16 wind subcommittee on tornado loads.

� Oregon's wood products innovation system was analyzed. A change resistant culture was identified as a barrier, along with lack of awareness of government-supported financial incentives that reduce risk. Innovation may improve with more proactive dissemination of information about available incentives and more placement of OSU interns and graduates trained in innovation to help alter industry culture over time.

4 — Center for Wood Utilization Research Final Center Report − December 2013

� A new method was developed that uses digital image correlation to automatically detect and quantify checks on hardwood plywood as they form. The results confirm that veneer checking is a complex phenomenon and best practices for minimizing checking must be presented via a matrix listing specific combinations of core material, adhesive, veneer type, and lathe check orientation.

� The durability of viscoelastic thermal compression (VTC) treated wood must be enhanced for use in exterior applications. Attempts to use natural biocide compounds of juniper and cinnamon leaf oils were unsuccessful and indicate that more robust, heat resistant preservatives will need to be used to achieve this goal.

� The characteristics of forest-derived woody biomass processed in the field for energy markets were analyzed and contributed to order in the market place. Both generators and users of forest biomass fuels gained a better understanding of processing techniques, and better insights into the ability of their handling systems to deal with variations in products quality.

� Controlled tests evaluated the steepest documented operation of a harvester and forwarder in the United States and the only use of a steep slope harvester for bunching for skylines. Harvesting costs were lower with the mechanized equipment than with traditional cable operations on steep slopes. As studied, soil impacts would likely meet federal and state guidelines. The study illustrates the potential for increasing wood utilization from early thinnings on steep slopes, now considered economically problematic on private lands, and the potential for increasing the cost-efficiency of forest restoration treatments on federal lands.

� Prediction, measurement, and economic evaluation tools were developed for woody biomass supply chains. The tools will allow small business owners and communities to determine answers to questions such as these: How long will it take my biomass to dry? What is the economically optimum drying time? Has my biomass reached the optimum moisture threshold yet?

� Negative impacts of even minor wetting on wood-based composite performance were observed and will help engineers better understand how to retrofit buildings that experience water intrusion. This should result in more defined replacements and repairs that reduce the financial impact of water issues in wood frame buildings.

� In research investigating the effect of low-grade biomass content on properties of hybrid composites with thermoplastic matrices, new advanced imaging measurement techniques enabled unprecedented insight into the composite micromechanics and load transfer patterns between the biomass particles and the polymer matrices.

� Studies on the impacts of work schedules for in-forest mechanized harvesting equipment showed that hourly productivity declined and costs increased beyond a 9-our work day. In contrast, there were no impacts on either productivity or value recovery from extended work schedules for off-forest operations. A number of factors, including better lighting in the off-forest operation, were identified for difference in impacts.

Nine of the projects summarized in this report were supported by the USDA NIFA Special Grant 2010-34158-20790 under the Wood Utilization Special Grant Program and three by an increase in the 2011 McIntire-Stennis appropriation in lieu of an FY 2011 grant.


Improving Products and Processes to Enhance the Global Competitiveness of Oregon’s Wood Products Industry

creation function is not being met, but has the potential to be completed by available state and federal incentives.

The forest-sector innovation system does encounter road blocks, and is often stalled before innovative creation can even begin. The change-resistant culture, poor communication, and a lack of financial resources are the road blocks. Therefore, the following recommendations have been developed to address these hindrances.

1. Further utilize OWIC as an outlet to increase awareness of policies, incentives, and other tools. As revealed in the results, there is little awareness and high availability of financial resources for wood products manufacturers. Given that the reported main organizational constraint to being innovative was a lack of money, the availability of incentives provided by the state and federal government can be a means of reducing the financial risk involved with an innovative project. As OWIC already sends out a quarterly newsletter to its members via email, including some information about these programs could be a fairly simple addition to the normal layout. Further, there is the prospect of dedicating an area on the OWIC website specifically to these resources. Implementing a page of summarized details and links to the applications could be the “one-stop-shop” for financial resources that was requested by study participants.

2. Increase opportunities for student internships. As suggested by interviewees, increasing the ratio of younger, educated employees to older, traditional employees is likely the most direct way to make a lasting shift in the culture of the industry. As the main source of forest industry-educated students in the state of Oregon, OSU will play a main role in the success of internship programs and in altering the industry culture.

3. Providing results to policy makers and the Oregon Forest Cluster Working Group to inform them about the current state of innovation in Oregon’s forest sector is a prime opportunity. Current information has the potential to redirect focus, influence recommended actions, and help to further develop relevant policy.

Duration: 7/1/2010–6/30/2013

An Assessment and Evaluation of Oregon’s Wood Products Innovation SystemChris Knowles, Scott Leavengood, and Eric Hansen

Objectives: (1) identify key organizations (public and private) involved in Oregon’s wood products innovation system; (2) identify key local, state, and federal policies and incentives related to wood products manufacturers; (3) develop detailed descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of the organizations, the policies and incentives, and the interactions among the organizations and policies; (4) identify the primary opportunities and barriers to increased innovation in the sector; and (5) develop recommendations for overcoming the barriers.

Accomplishments and Activities

The primary objective of this research was to provide a comprehensive description of Oregon’s forest sector innovation system and provide recommendations for improvement. The three functions of an innovation system are Create, Implement, and Diffuse innovations into the market place. Further, there are three main inputs required for the creation of an innovation: financial resources, knowledge, and human resources. Lastly, the industry culture or policy has an integrated influence on the entire innovation system.

Oregon’s forest sector innovation system has all the necessary tools to be successful, but must overcome the identified barriers in order to increase functionality. The culture is largely change resistant, and firm/interfirm cooperation is approximately 50% of what is possible. Most of the innovative activity is resulting in process innovations for “optimization,” and policy around innovation in the forest sector is developing, as shown by the efforts of the Oregon Forest Resources Institute and the Oregon Forest Cluster Working Group. A main supplier of the knowledge and human resources required for the creation function are Oregon State University and the Oregon Wood Innovation Center (OWIC). OSU’s College of Forestry has been graduating an educated and skilled work force since 1911, and OWIC provides a critical link to academia and experts in the field of wood science. The financial resource required for the

Final Reports


Discovering New Knowledge for Future Opportunities and Benefits

industry. The fabrication of specimens (the test matrix calls for over 2000) has been delayed due to the equipment break-down and the steep learning curve on extruding parameters for mixtures with different biomass loading levels. Currently almost all specimens have been fabricated.

• Acquired a QUV® Accelerated Weathering Tester unit with spray capacity (funded in part by the OSU College of Forestry and parallel projects in the Wood Science & Engineering Department). The tester is fully functional, and we are in the midst of preliminary test series now (Objective 1b). The principal tests will commence as soon as all the specimens are fabricated.

• Acquired a stereo microscope deformation and strain measurement system VIC-Micro 3D™ by Correlated Solutions, Inc. (funded by OSU Research Equipment Reserves Fund). We performed a series of preliminary tests, which show data quality substantially surpassing the output of our custom-made system. All tests have been completed (Objective 2). Currently we are analyzing the rich image data recorded during these tests.

2. Specific objectives met:

• Objective 1 is 50% completed.

• Objective 2 is 75% completed

3. Significant results achieved, including major findings, developments, or conclusion (both positive and negative):

• Significant conclusions will be drawn once the study is completed. However, the completion has been delayed due to a technical problem with the extruding equipment.

The project supported two graduate students (one PhD and one MS level), one international exchange student from ENSTIB, Epinal, France, and two interns in the Apprenticeships in Science and Engineering (ASE) program.

Results have been disseminated through participation in professional conferences (4 posters, 4 presentations, and a paper).

One important change in the approach is limiting the test matrix for tests related to Objective 1. Originally, we planned to test wood-polymer composite specimens with loading ratios of 20%, 40%, and 60%, as we did in the previous project, where specimens were manufactured using pressure-molding mode. In this project, we successfully switched to manufacturing via extrusion, which is more efficient and more realistic than compression molding, but does not allow processing composites with low (20%) wood content. Therefore, composites with 20% woody biomass content have been excluded from the test matrix.

Duration: 10/1/2011–9/30/2013Slash piles after thinning in eastern Oregon (photo courtesy of the Oregon Forest Resources Institute - OFRI).

Load Transfer in Wood-Plastic Composites Filled with Low-Grade Woody Biomass

Lech Muszyński, John Nairn, and John Simonsen

Objectives: The overall goal of this proposed research was to investigate the effect of low-grade biomass content on properties of hybrid composites with thermoplastic matrices (PP, PVC, and PLA). The specific objectives of this project were as follows: (1) to determine the effect of low-grade biomass loading on benchmark mechanical properties and durability of hybrid composites; and (2) to examine the load transfer between filler particles and the thermoplastic polymer matrices.

Accomplishments and Impacts

1. Major activities completed:

• Acquired raw materials necessary to complete the test series: polymers (PP, HDPA, PVC, PLA); quantities of low-grade woody biomass from forest thinnings operations and from urban wood collectors and additives (lubricants and coupling agents) needed for fabrication of specimens. The raw materials had been comminuted to the flour powder grade.

• Launched a collaboration with Professor Skip Rochefort (OSU School of Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering) focused on manufacturing extruded wood-polymer composite specimens for tests related to Objective 1. This is a significant improvement from a previous research project in this area, where all specimens were manufactured via pressure molding, a technique not used in the


Characterization of Woody Biomass Fuels Prepared from Forest SlashDavid Smith and John Sessions

Objectives: (1) develop capability within the OSU College of Forestry to reliably measure the quality characteristics of solid biomass fuels; (2) collect representative samples of forest biomass fuels generated at various slash salvage sites and measure their quality characteristics; (3) document the relationship between logging site characteristics, logging slash recovery and grinding processes, and the quality characteristics of the biomass fuels produced; and (4) form the foundation of a reference database that might be used in the future to establish a family of fuel and non-fuel quality grade specifications for forest and other solid biomass products.


Our published work describes the characteristics of 55 samples of processed forest biomass residues randomly collected from 34 sites in Oregon. The data we generated illustrates the wide diversity of field-processed grindings and chips that are currently being produced to inform managers of the potential variability in existing biomass sources. The samples vary widely with respect to moisture content, particle size distribution, species mix, and ash content. We discuss the value of residue classification for downstream processing. The primary use of forest residues is currently for combustion, but stratification of forest residues provides opportunities to create value-added products, provide rural employment, and increase transportation efficiency.

We are pleased that our industrial partners and the broader community are interested in this work. Our industrial partners have put the results to good use to better plan and conduct woody biomass recovery operations. They have found the information we’ve generated to be very helpful for understanding their operations in a variety of ways:

• How different processing machines and machine set-ups impact particle size distribution.

• How various field collection and reclamation techniques influence fuel moisture content, ash and inorganic contamination levels, and material bulk density.

• We have helped them understand how to take good field data to strengthen their ability to accurately determine productivity and production economics.

Our work is also helping to provide some order in the marketplace between local biomass fuel users and generators. Both generators and users of forest biomass fuels have gained a better understanding of which processing techniques work best for them and are gaining better insights into the ability of their handling systems to deal with variations in product quality. For example, our work contributed to an awareness of how moisture content influences fuel value, and how to reflect that in the price of the material. As biomass utilization grows, it is becoming obvious that a methodology for setting, meeting, and verifying fuel quality characteristics is essential for successful, value-driven commerce; particularly in the commercial/institutional sector. This project is and will continue to contribute to that outcome.

Another outcome/benefit of this project has been the opportunity to employ undergraduate workers. Three students associated with the WSE department have learned about the opportunities for creating renewable energy from forest biomass by working on the project.

Duration: 7/1/2010–8/31/2013

Sawdust, chips and other residuals are compressed into biomass bricks (photo courtesy of the Oregon Forest Resources Institute).

Timber and biomass are separated at a log yard (photo courtesy of OFRI).


Enhancing Engineering Applications for Wood and Wood-Based Products

Bio-Compounds for Improved Decay Resistance of Next Generation Engineered Products

Frederick Kamke and Jeffrey J. Morrell

Objectives: to employ natural biocide compounds to enhance wood resistance to biological decay, specifically: to (1) improve decay resistance to meet AWPA Use Category 3 requirements for non-ground contact exterior exposure; (2) achieve bending modulus of 3.0 x 106 psi and bending strength of 2.5 x 105 psi of the treated composite for at least 95% of the test specimens; and (3) exceed 50% of mean dry bending properties after six cycles of water soak and drying.


Hybrid poplar veneers were treated with various combinations of cinnamon leaf oil and juniper foliage extract prior to be subjected to viscoelastic thermal compression (VTC) treatment. Flexural properties were assessed before and after VTC treatment. Additional materials were impregnated with a combination of the two oil extracts after treatment using toluene as the diluent to avoid wood swelling and deformation. The treated samples were then evaluated for resistance to termites, mold fungi and decay fungi. Only the highest level of cinnamon leaf oil was

capable of limiting mold attack. The decay test results were complicated by the tendency of volatiles from the cinnamon leaf oil treated samples to contaminate other test pieces. As a result, decay tests were inconsistent. Repeated testing suggested that some treatments were capable of limiting fungal attack, but the variability made it difficult to reach definitive conclusions. Formosan termites were inhibited in specimens receiving the highest level of essential oil. Subsequent gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry analyses of extracts from VTC-treated specimens revealed that major components of the essential oils were destroyed by the heat associated with the VTC process. Many organic molecules are unstable at elevated temperatures, and the juniper oil and cinnamon leaf oil were both sensitive to the process. While higher concentrations of oils tended to provide some protection to the VTC-treated wood, the levels needed to ensure that an adequate amount of oil remained after treatment would be far above the economic threshold for a product of this nature. As a result, while it is technically possible to use essential oils to protect VTC-treated wood, the levels would not be commercially feasible.

Training and professional development: One graduate student, Adam Scouse, received a Master of Science Degree while working on this project.

Dissemination: A publication describing the results is in process.

Duration: 7/1/2010–6/30/2013

Evaluation of Structural Load Paths in Wood-Frame Residential Structures

Rakesh Gupta, Thomas H. Miller, and Kenny G. Martin

Objectives: to develop an analytical model of a realistic wood-framed house using SAP2000 in order to gain a better understanding of the propagation of hurricane wind loads through complex structures. Specifically, to (1) develop and verify practical methods for modeling three-dimensional light-frame wood buildings with complex geometry, using commercial structural analysis software; (2) explore critical load paths and system effects through the building under extreme wind loading; and (3) explore the effects of different geometry on the propagation of load paths.


Practical methods for modeling three-dimensional light-frame wood buildings were developed using commercial structural analysis software, and verified. Critical load paths and system effects were explored under extreme wind loading and gravity loads, as well. The effects of different geometry on the propagation of load paths were also explored.

Hybrid poplar plantation (photo: Marcus Kauffman, Oregon Department of Forestry; courtesy of OFRI).


The 1st objective was met by using a commercially available structural-analysis software package for modeling houses. Based on the validation studies, the simplified linear modeling methods were capable of predicting uplift and lateral load paths in a light-frame, wood residential structure with complex, realistic plan geometry.

For the 2nd and 3rd objectives, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) The addition of a re-entrant corner in a low-rise structure caused load concentrations at the re-entrant corner. (2) The addition of wall openings in a low-rise structure caused load concentrations on either side of the openings. (3) Design wind loads caused uplift load concentrations at the hold-downs. (4) The effects of increasing the size of the re-entrant corner in an L-shaped house were dependent on the location and relative stiffness of the in-plane walls. (5) Timber-frame buildings more effectively resist uplift, compared with light-frame buildings with fewer, more heavily (gravity) loaded posts.

Based on the verification tests used in the current study for both the sub-assemblies and the full structure, it was concluded that the modeling methods developed in this study can be applied to buildings with more complex, realistic geometry with few adjustments. After the overall accuracy of the full-building model was statistically verified, uniform uplift loads and design wind loads were used to explore load paths and system behavior within the structure. The effects of variations in building geometry, sheathing edge nail spacing, and wall anchorage on load paths and system behavior were explored. The model provided information about load path distributions under varying conditions within light-frame wood residential structures of more complex geometry.

Two graduate students were trained as wood scientists/civil engineers.

Duration: 7/1/2010-6/30/2013

Key Variables Influencing Checking in Maple Plywood

Scott Leavengood and Lech Muszyński

Objectives: conduct a multi-variable screening study to identify the key variables that influence checking in maple plywood. Specifically, (1) develop a comprehensive matrix of test variables affecting checking in maple plywood, including groups of variables related to (a) veneer: cutting method (sliced vs. peeled), thickness, and drying method (screen vs. press); and (b) panel construction: orientation of lathe checks in face veneer (away from or toward core material), core type, and adhesive. (2) Measure the intensity of checking for combinations of the identified variables: optical measurement based on the digital image correlation (DIC) principle will be used to evaluate the extent and frequency of checking in test panels. (3) Identify the critical variables

and interactions using standard statistical methods for factor screening experiments.


This project resulted in development of a new and novel method using DIC to automatically detect and quantify checks in veneer as they form. A journal publication is being prepared that describes this method, and the PIs plan to conduct follow-up research that capitalizes on this new capability.

Research results demonstrated that veneer checks developed in all but one of the 96 combinations of veneer type, adhesive, lathe check orientation, and core material. The one combination for which none of the panels developed checks was 1/36" peeled veneer, with PVA adhesive, veneer oriented loose-side out, on particleboard core. Further, findings suggest that there is a significant 4-way interaction between all of the factors. In short, the findings suggest that there is no single "optimal" combination of factors leading to minimal checking in service. Rather, the results confirm prior research, in that veneer checking is a complex phenomenon for which there is no simple, straightforward solution, such as choice of adhesive or core type in isolation. Rather, best practices must be presented via a matrix listing specific combinations of core material, adhesive, veneer type, and lathe check orientation. This matrix will be provided on the project web page and shared with the industry via additional presentations and publications.

In addition to the graduate student who worked on the project, several undergraduate students received hands-on training in the production of hardwood plywood and use of digital image correlation.

The results of this project have been disseminated numerous times at conferences through both oral presentations and posters, via the Oregon Wood Innovation Center (OWIC) website and newsletter, directly to interested parties via email, and to the hardwood plywood industry via the Western Hardwood Plywood Producers (WHPP).

Duration 7/1/2010–6/30/2013

Photo: Rakesh Gupta, Wood Science & Engineering, Oregon State University.


Extending the Timber Resource through Improved Harvesting, Transportation, and Manufacturing

Collaboration with a New Zealand forest company interested in the effects of work schedule design on gross value recovery in their log-yard scanning, bucking, and processing operation gave us access to a database containing measurements of over 120,000 stems processed during a six-month period. Analysis of the data showed that there were no impacts on either productivity or value recovery from extended work schedules, in particular day- or night-shift operations. A number of factors, including better lighting in the log yard, were identified for differences in impacts between the on-forest and off-forest operations.

An OSU graduate student participated in the project.

The Chilean collaborative work led to the publication of a journal paper, publication of an industry bulletin, presentation of two posters at national conferences, and delivery of two verbal presentations at regional and international conferences.

The New Zealand collaborative work led to the publication of a conference paper and delivery of a verbal presentation at a national conference. A journal paper will be prepared beyond the period covered by the WUR funding.

Discussions with an Irish collaborator will lead to additional work on this topic beyond the WUR funding period.

Duration: 10/1/2011–6/30/2013

Biomass Assessment and Technology for Harvesting and Utilizing Forest Fuels and Logging Slash from Steep Slopes in Oregon

Loren Kellogg and Temesgen Hailemariam

Objectives: (1) complete a biomass assessment of harvesting operation characteristics on steep terrain in Oregon for utilizing forest fuels from restoration thinning and logging slash from conventional harvesting operations; (2) complete an analysis of steep-slope harvesting systems and technologies needs for utilizing forest fuels and logging slash; and (3) identify gaps between current steep-slope harvesting practices and harvesting practices for improved utilization of biomass, and suggest strategies to address these gaps.


The impacts of the research that was conducted under this study have the potential to change the operational nature of the forest industry with respect to small wood and biomass harvesting. The traditional industry perception of ground-based harvesting systems revolves around the limitation of the equipment itself to harvest units below 35% in slope. Generally, when the slope of a given harvest unit

Designing Work Schedules for Maximizing Net Value Recovery from Forests

Glen Murphy

Objective: to evaluate the economic impacts of alternative work schedule designs on productivity, product yield out-turn, and net value recovery for two types of forest operations: an in-forest mechanized delimbing and bucking operation and a log-yard scanning, bucking, and processing operation.


Collaboration with a Chilean forest company interested in work schedule design impacts gave us access to a long-term database containing over 30,000 machine days of records. We evaluated the effects of three types of extended work schedules (beyond a 9-hour work day) on the productivity of two types of in-forest harvesting operations: mechanized processing of pine stems into logs and mechanized harvesting of hardwood trees. Findings were that, due to declines in hourly productivity, extended work schedules beyond a 9-hour day would be unlikely to lead to cost reductions.

A working forest contains many forest age classes over an entire landscape (photo courtesy of OFRI).


is above 35%, expensive cable harvesting systems are used. This traditional perception, coupled with the low value of first-entry products, has guided the industry over the last couple of decades to move away from first-entry commercial thinning on steep terrain, with some companies completely abandoning the practice altogether. The research conducted within this study challenges this perception and helps usher in new perceptions and practices regarding small-wood harvesting on steeper terrain.

The results of this study showed that it is both physically and economically feasible to utilize ground-based equipment on terrain that is steeper than the industry norm (up to 70%). Since ground-based equipment is significantly cheaper than cable harvesting systems, any productivity shortfalls from operating on steep terrain would be offset by the cheaper costs. Similarly, with cheaper harvesting costs of the ground-based equipment, the low value of small-wood products may be overcome to provide an acceptable level of profitability for the practice. Thus, this research provides the opportunity for harvest managers to broaden their practices to include more cost-effective, first-entry commercial thinning. A move toward first-entry commercial thinning on non-traditional harvest units would provide an outlet for capturing mortality and would eliminate the need for pre-commercial thinning, thus providing the landowner with not only more cost-effective management, but also healthier, more productive residual stands.

Not only does this study have the potential to change the management practices used on young stands, it also provides an avenue for potential biomass harvesting in the future. Much of the products generated from young-stand, first-entry commercial thinning go to chips or other low-value end products. With the development of a robust biomass market, much of the material derived from young-stand thinning may be diverted to use in the woody biomass sector. By allowing for cost-effective, ground-based harvesting on steeper terrain, the applicability and overall profitability of biomass harvesting would be expanded to cover a much larger landbase than what is the industry norm (stands below 35% in slope). Thus, this research is not simply limited to the "common" forest products, but also to emergent products related to energy generation.

The slope-based results found in the biomass assessment portion of this study provide another level of applicability of this research to the industry at large. The one significant trend or difference found within the slope section of the study was that there was significantly more biomass on mid-slope classes (60%-80%) than on flat-slope classes (10%-40%). Because the field study showed that cost-effective, ground-based operations can be completed on the mid-slope classes, there is a large potential for increased volume utilization on those harvest units in the mid-slope range.

In summary, the research and the subsequent results from this project have the potential to change the traditional practices of the industry to provide both more cost-effective

management and healthier, more productive timber stands. Additionally, this research provides a method for cost-effective harvesting of woody biomass, a sector that is hurting for better and cheaper ways to bring products from the woods to facilities. The impacts of this study may profoundly shape industry forests in the years to come.

This project created a unique opportunity for Forest Engineering graduate student, Benjamin Flint, and undergraduate student, Tom Lord, to apply knowledge learned in the classroom to actual field layout, data collection, and reporting results to the forest industry, and to work closely with logging contractors and forest land managers. Flint was also able to work closely with leading biometric experts at OSU, professors, practitioners, and graduate students.

The results from this study have been disseminated to the appropriate communities of forest resource managers, forest engineers, and harvesting contractors through presentations and publications with the national Council on Forest Engineering, and the Western Region Council on Forest Engineering meeting held in conjunction with the annual Associated Oregon Loggers Convention. Flint completed his MS thesis and presented it to the OSU Forestry community in fall 2013.

Duration: 7/1/2010−6/30/2013

A tree is harvested in Douglas County (photo courtesy of OFRI).


tracks near the surface (25-200 mm) was 19% to 34% higher than in undisturbed soil, and 33% to 40% higher after a second vehicle (forwarder) pass on Harvester-Forwarder; the latter unit also showed 18% to 21% higher strength in deeper layers (225-400 mm) after the second pass. Slash accumulations on the trails appeared to buffer vehicle effects on soil strength near the surface (25-100 mm) on one of the units (Harvester-Forwarder); whereas no clear relationship was seen with variations in trail slope. Dry season operations, limited passes, slash in trails, and low ground-pressure vehicles with enhanced stability and traction features helped control soil disturbance and likely kept it within federal and state guidelines.

Costs reported by Flint and Kellogg (forthcoming) indicated substantial cost advantages to operating with both Harvester-Cable and Harvester-Forwarder over traditional cable operations on steep slopes. Environmental performance documented in this study, coupled with economic advantages, may lead to less costly thinning and forest restoration activities on steep slopes, increasing wood utilization on state and private forests and forest restoration opportunities on federal forests.

The major concerns about operating ground-based equipment on steep slopes have to do with operator safety and environmental impacts. This study design used trails parallel to the slope and return trails that avoided equipment turning on steep slopes. Environmental impacts focused on soil compaction and displacement. This study documented that, for the conditions in this study, environmental impacts would likely meet federal and state guidelines. The environmental impacts of this study, coupled with the economic advantages documented by Flint and Kellogg, illustrate the potential for increasing wood utilization from early thinnings on steep slopes—now considered economically problematic on private lands—and the potential for increasing the cost-efficiency of forest restoration treatments on federal lands. Future work should concentrate on repeating this study on other forest types. Monitoring to document longer-term soil impacts is planned.

This study provided training opportunities for one PhD student and development of training materials for class use.

The results of this study have been presented at three conferences, and a manuscript is in review at a major regional journal.

Duration: 7/1/2010−6/30/2013

Woody Biomass Supply Chain Management Tools for Small Businesses and CommunitiesGlen Murphy

Objectives: (1) develop four tools that will assist decision making by small businesses and communities along the forest-to-energy woody biomass supply chain; (2) evaluate tools and technologies for the monitoring of woody biomass moisture content for three types of material: logs, chips, and hog fuel; (3) develop and trial a workshop that is targeted

The edge of BLM forestland and a state forest (photo courtesy of OFRI).

Reducing Steep Slope Thinning Costs and Increasing Wood Production Through Use of Tethered Feller Buncher and Grapple Yarding

John Sessions, Jeffrey Wimer, and Michael Wing

Objectives: (1) test and demonstrate the use of a tethered feller buncher for thinning on steep slopes; (2) measure grapple yarding productivity in a thinning following felling and bunching to corridors by a feller buncher; (3) apply Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to identify preferred landscape locations for logging operations; and (4) measure ground disturbance and residual stand damage.


Soil effects in vehicle trails were assessed on two cut-to-length thinning units that were very steep, averaging 65% and 58%, with some pitches exceeding 70%. The thinnings in a young Douglas-fir forest included a harvester-cut, cable-yarded unit (Harvester-Cable) and a harvester-cut, forwarder-yarded (Harvester-Forwarder) unit. Steep vehicle trails covered 10% of the thinned area of Harvester-Forwarder and 15% of Harvester-Cable; exposed soil occurred in 3% of the sample points in trail transects in Harvester-Cable and 7% of those in Harvester-Forwarder. After one harvester pass on Harvester-Cable, soil strength in vehicle


at small businesses and communities, and that effectively communicates the research results from objectives 1 and 2; and (4) undertake the preliminary design for a Western Woody Biomass Knowledge Center website that will be used to communicate effective technology and practices to potential users.


In collaboration with researchers from Ireland and Denmark, a climate-based, air-drying model was developed for Sitka spruce using data collected in Ireland over an 18-month period. A journal paper was prepared and published based on the model. The PI developed new modeling skills through participation in the project. Following from the Irish project, air-drying biomass trials were set up at four sites in Oregon: two in Douglas-fir stands and two in hybrid poplar stands. Data was collected at the four sites for over 12 months. Air-drying models were developed for Douglas-fir and poplar. A master's thesis and a journal paper were published based on this research. The Irish and Oregon models allow prediction of the storage time required for biomass, harvested at different times of the year and at different locations within these regions, to dry to a specified moisture content. A master’s thesis and a journal paper were prepared and published based on this research.

Two software tools (a fuel cost-comparison tool and a delivered woodfuel sales calculator) were designed and prototyped based on similar tools independently developed for Ireland by Glen Murphy and Pieter Kofman (Denmark). The tools allow biomass buyers and sellers to examine the economic viability of different supply chains. The in-forest or in-yard storage times required to attain a specified moisture content are input parameters needed for the delivered woodfuel sales calculator.

The cost of transporting woody biomass from the forest to woody biomass plants is “optimized” when the moisture content drops to approximately 30% (wet basis). Six in-field moisture monitoring tools, employing three different measurement technologies (acoustic, conductance, and capacitance) were evaluated in logs, chips, and hogfuel for three hardwood and three softwood species. The tools differed in their accuracy (all tools required calibration), mechanical reliability, and measurement efficiency. The three best tools were accurate below 35% MC (wet basis). This suggests they could be used for making threshold transportation decisions, e.g., determining when to haul. A master’s thesis was prepared and published based on this research. A journal paper will be prepared outside of the WUR funding period.

The funds have also allowed us to build new relationships with a wider sector of the Pacific Northwest forest industry and to collaborate with biomass supply chain researchers from Europe and Australia.

Three OSU graduate students participated in the project (Dong-Wook Kim, Fernando Becerra, and Francisca Belart).

Top: biomass heating system at Oakridge Elementary School (photo: Marcus Kauffman, Oregon Department of Forestry); A stack of wood chips (both photos courtesy of OFRI).


The results have been disseminated through the publication of master’s theses, journal papers, a national conference paper, a regional conference poster, and a presentation at an international conference. Presentations on approaches to air-drying of biomass and modeling

of seasonal impacts of air-drying were given to three Oregon forest industry companies, and to graduate and undergraduate students in Oregon and Georgia.

Duration: 7/1/2010-6/30/2013

Science to Support Environmentally Responsible Wood Procurement

reduced slightly, but the losses were not statistically significant. Interestingly, the deflection of the wall for the same load has increased, suggesting a non-compliance for serviceability criteria of design.

Using these two data sets on performance of I-joists and shear walls, and combining them with weather and moisture data, we will build analytical service-life-estimate models and the results will be disseminated in the publications stemming from the project.

David King, the graduate student working on this project, travelled to Austin, TX to present the research results to academic and industry leaders at the 67th International Forest Products Society Convention. Luis Mesa, an undergraduate in the Renewable Materials program, presented his data at a College of Forestry Research Symposium and has had a paper accepted for publication.

The results are being communicated as follows:

• Technical presentations in conferences and workshops such as the Forest Products Society Convention.

• Manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals: We are anticipating at least three journal publications resulting from this work. Two will be published in a wood science journal and the other will be published in a structural engineering journal. These publications will help disseminate the results to academia, as well as industry.

• Incorporated into lectures of a course, WSE 592: Advanced Wood Design, taught by Sinha at OSU in spring quarter 2014, and in short courses delivered to building inspectors in Oregon and Washington. This will ensure that future academic and industry leaders are well-versed with the subject.

As with the nature of any study dealing with biological degradation, the growth and the extent of the biological agent cannot be predicted. In the advanced stages of the test program, it was realized the fungi, responsible for degradation, did not grow as expected. As a result, the study leaned more towards the effect of moisture intrusion in the building system, rather than the effect of degradation due to fungi. These results are still valuable, given that, despite efforts of engineers and building professionals, the building envelope is prone to leaking and the intrusion of moisture.

Duration: 10/1/2011–9/30/2013

Developing Service Life Estimates of Wood Based, Green Building Components

Arijit Sinha and J.J. Morrell

Objectives: (1) to collect service life data on wood from various sites across the U.S; (2) to develop additional performance data on more recently developed wood-based materials; and (3) to develop models to predict service life under a variety of environmental conditions.


The effects of exterior exposure on the shear properties of wood I-joists was evaluated over 18 months in Western Oregon. Cyclic wetting reduced the overall properties of the materials. Moreover, the initial wetting period resulted in much more variation in properties between individual pieces. The ability to use more precise design values is an important attribute of composite I-joists, and our data suggests that even short-term exposure to wetting during construction sharply reduced this property. It also illustrated the sequential roles of moisture followed by biological attack in the degradation process.

Small-scale shear walls have been constructed and inoculated with brown rot fungi at the uplift corner of the wall. This is a critical area for structural performance and serviceability. After 150 days of exposure to biological degradation agents, the maximum load to failure was

Photo: Caryn Davis., College of Forestry, Oregon State University.


Optimization of Dryer Systems for Energy Use and VOC Emission

Fred Kamke, Mike Milota, and David Smith

Objectives: (1) characterize emissions from thermo-hydro-mechanical processing of wood in relation to time, temperature, steam pressure and wood species; (2) characterize non-volatile degradation products from THM in regard to chemical reactivity and potential reaction mechanisms; and (3) demonstrate in situ chemical reactivity to reduce gas emission and improve water resistance of resulting THM products.


1. Major activities completed

• Created engineering design drawings for a commercial-scale, continuous THM device

• Built a pilot-scale continuous press to simulate the commercial-scale system

• Submitted a provisional patent application

• During the entire project period, this project contributed to the success in obtaining funding to build and install a laboratory-scale THM device in the Green Building Materials Laboratory at Oregon State University.

2. Specific objectives met

• We were not successful in characterizing emissions from the THM process.

• The chemical changes that are manifested in the solid wood products after THM processing were characterized, and differences were noted as a result of process parameters, including temperature and steam pressure. This work was accomplished for western hemlock.

• The impact of THM processing parameters of water resistance of the THM products was characterized for Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Norway spruce, hybrid poplar, and beech.

• Changes to the surface chemistry in relation to adhesive bonding were characterized for Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Norway spruce, hybrid poplar, and beech.

3. Significant results achieved, including major findings, developments, or conclusions included the following:

• Characterizing chemical changes to the wood, or identifying the gas emissions is very complex and requires a larger, and much more expensive, research effort than was possible with the resources available for this project.

• THM processing of veneer, for a variety of wood species, is technically feasible.

• THM-processed wood may be bonded using adhesives that are commonly used by the wood products industry.

• Dimensional stability, in relation to water exposure, is critical for many applications of THM-treated wood.

Douglas-fir stand in the Tillamook State Forest (photo courtesy of OFRI).


• THM processing may be accomplished in less than 15 minutes. Previous research and commercial processes require more than 1 hour, and sometimes several hours.

Two graduate students received training in thermal treatment of wood and the scientific method during the current reporting period. In addition, they learned techniques for mechanical testing, FTIR analysis, surface energy assessment, and composite manufacture.

Furthermore, two undergraduate students gained laboratory work experience and goal-directed project management.

This project helped establish research collaborations with the University of Primorska in Slovenia and the University of British Columbia. In the latter case, a joint project was initiated for THM processing of bamboo.

Results have been disseminated through presentations at technical conferences in the United States and abroad. Results have been published in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Results have been discussed at the semi-annual meetings of the NSF IUCRC for Wood-Based Composites. The research team has hosted numerous tours of the THM facilities at Oregon State University.

Duration: 7/1/2010–6/30/2013


Publications, Theses, and Technology Transfer Activities and Presentations

PublicationsBehr, G., H. Militz, F.A. Kamke, and A. Kutnar. 2013. Fatigue

behaviour of VTC and untreated beech wood, pp. 115–116 in Book of Abstracts: COST Action PF0904 Evaluation, Processing and Prediction of THM Treated Wood Behaviour by Experimental and Numerical Methods. C-M Popescu and M-C Popescu, eds. "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of Romanian Academy.

Flint, B. and L.D. Kellogg. 2013. First Entry Commercial Thinning: A comparison of Traditional and Contemporary Harvesting Methods on Steep Slopes in the Coast Range of Oregon. In: Proceedings of the Council on Forest Engineering Annual Meeting, Missoula, MT.

Humar, M, F.A. Kamke, and A. Kutnar. 2013. Reducing set recovery of densified wood with heat treatment, pp. 91–92 in Book of Abstracts: COST Action PF0904 Evaluation, Processing and Prediction of THM Treated Wood Behaviour by Experimental and Numerical Methods. C-M Popescu and M-C Popescu, eds. "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of Romanian Academy.

Kim, D.W., and G.E. Murphy. 2013. Forecasting air drying rates of small Douglas-fir and hybrid poplar stacked logs in Oregon, USA. International Journal of Forest Engineering 24(3):137–147.

Kutnar, A., and F.A. Kamke. 2013. Transverse compression behavior of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) in saturated steam environment. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products 71(3):371–379.

Kutnar, A, A. Ugovsek, F.A. Kamke, and M. Šernek. 2013. Bonding performance of densified VTC beech bonded with liquefied wood, pp. 111–112 in Book of Abstracts: COST Action PF0904 Evaluation, Processing and Prediction of THM Treated Wood Behaviour by Experimental and Numerical Methods. C-M, Popescu and M-C eds. "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of Romanian Academy.

Kutnar, A., R. Widmann, and F.A. Kamke. 2012. Density, mechanical properties, and morphology of densified wood in relation to compression temperature and steam environments, pp. 154–161 in Proceedings of the 6th European Conference on Wood Modification, September 16–18, Ljubljana, Slovenia, ed. D. Jones, H. Militz, M. Petric, F. Pohleven, M. Humar, and M. Pavlic, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Wood Science and Technology.

Lesar, B., M. Kumar, F. Kamke, and A. Kutnar. 2013. Influence of the thermo-hydro-mechanical treatments of wood on the performance against wood degrading fungi. Wood Science and Technology. Published online: DOI 10.1007/s00226-013-0553-8.

Liu, H., F.A. Kamke, and K. Guo. 2013. Integrated drying and thermo-hydro-mechanical modification of western hemlock veneer. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products 71:173–181.

Murphy, G.E., T. Kent, and P.K. Kofman. 2013. Modeling air-drying of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis Bong. Carr.) biomass in off-forest storage yards in Ireland. Forest Products Journal 62(6): 443–449.

Orozco, N., E. Hansen, C. Knowles, and S. Leavengood. 2012. Oregon’s Forest Sector Innovation System: An Investigation Towards Advanced Performance. Wood Science and Engineering. Oregon State University, Corvallis. Forest Business Solutions 10(1):1–2.

Orozco, N., E. Hansen, C. Knowles, and S. Leavengood. 2013. Oregon’s Forest Sector Innovation System: An Investigation Towards Advanced Performance. Forestry Chronicle 89(2):225–234.

Pfretzschner, K., R. Gupta, and T.H. Miller. 2013. Practical Modeling for Load Paths in a Realistic, Light-Frame Wood House. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities (ASCE). DOI:10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0000448

Schwarzkopf M, L. Muszyński, J.A. Nairn, and X. Lin. 2013. Empirical Investigation of Micromechanics of the Internal Bond in Wood Plastic Composites. Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on Wood Fibre Polymer Composites, September 23–24, 2013, Biarritz, France. 13 p.

Smith, D. 2010. Characteristics of fuel chips made from forest biomass. In: Proceedings, Pacific West Biomass Conference, January, Seattle, WA.

Smith, D., and D. Way. 2010. Woody Biomass: Converting logging slash to boiler fuel. Series of case study monographs published by the Wood Science & Engineering Department, College of Forestry, Oregon State University, Corvallis.

Smith, D. 2011. Meeting quality expectations for forest biomass fuels. In: Proceedings, NCASI West Coast Regional Meeting, September, Vancouver, WA.

Smith, D. 2011. Update on biomass research. In: Proceedings, Future Energy Conference, April, Portland, OR.


Smith, D., J. Sessions, K. Tuers, D. Way, and J. Traver. 2012. Characteristics of forest-derived woody biomass collected and processed in Oregon. Forest Products Journal 62(7/8): 520–527.

Standfest, G., A. Kutnar, B. Plank, A. Petutschnigg, F.A. Kamke, and M. Dunky. 2012. Microstructure of viscoelastic thermal compressed (VTC) wood using computed microtomography. Wood Science and Technology. DOI 10.1007/s00226-012-0496-5.

Ugovšek A., F.A. Kamke, M. Sernek, and A. Kutnar. 2013. Bending performance of 3-layer beech (Fagus sylvativa L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) VTC composites bonded with phenol-formaldehyde adhesive and liquefied wood. Wood Science and Technology. Published online: DOI 10.1007/s00107-013-0704-5.

Ugovšek A., F.A. Kamke, M. Sernek, M. Pavlič, and A. Kutnar. 2013. The wettability and bonding performance of densified VTC beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), bonded with phenol-formaldehyde adhesive and liquefied wood. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products. Published online: 10.1007/s00107-013-0669-4.

PatentFreitas, S. and F.A. Kamke, 2012. Hot press catalysis for

improved wood dimensional stability. U.S. Patent Application No. 61/720,723. Submitted October 31, 2012.

ThesesBecerra, F.A. 2012. Evaluation of six tools for estimating

woody biomass moisture content. M.S. Thesis. Oregon State University, Corvallis. 185 p. Online here: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/37209.

Burnard, M. 2013. Key factors influencing checking in maple veneered decorative hardwood plywood. M.S. Thesis. Oregon State University, Corvallis. 212 p. Online here: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/36505

Flint, B. 2013. Analysis and operational considerations of biomass extraction on steep terrain in western Oregon. M.S. Thesis. Oregon State University, Corvallis. 175 p. Online here: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/44614

Lin, X. 2011. Direct coupling of imaging to morphology-based numberical modeling as a tool for mechanics analysis of wood plastic composites. M.S. Thesis. Oregon State University, Corvallis. 121 p. Online here: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/26472

Malone, B. 2013. Light frame versus timber frame: A study in quantifying the differences. M.S. Thesis. Oregon State University, Corvallis. 211 p. Online here: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/40309

Pfretzschner, K. 2012. Practical Modeling for Load Paths in a Realistic, Light-Frame Wood House. M.S. Thesis. Oregon State University, Corvallis. 191 p. Online here: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/34042

Scouse, A. 2012. Essential Oil Treatment of VTC Wood. M.S. Thesis. Oregon State University, Corvallis. 66 p. Online here: http://hdl.handle.net/1957/34327

Technology Transfer Activities and PresentationsBehr, G., H. Militz, F.A. Kamke, and A. Kutnar, A. 2013. Fatigue

behaviour of VTC and untreated beech wood. COST Action PF0904 Evaluation, Processing and Prediction of THM Treated Wood Behaviour by Experimental and Numerical Methods, April 9-11, Iasi, Romania. (Presentation)

Burnard, M. 2011. Update on maple veneer checking research. Western Hardwood Plywood Producers fall joint technical meeting, Eugene, OR. (Presentation)

Burnard, M. 2012. Update on maple veneer checking research. Western Hardwood Plywood Producers fall joint technical meeting, Eugene, OR. (Presentation)

Burnard, M., and S. Leavengood. 2011. Maple veneer checking research. Western Hardwood Plywood Producers summer meeting, Eugene, OR. (Presentation)

Freitas, S., and F.A. Kamke. 2013. In-situ chemical mapping of wood to visualize surface-down chemical changes occurring during wood processing. Forest Products Society, 66th International Convention, June 9-11, Austin, TX. (Presentation)

Humar, M., F.A. Kamke, and A. Kutnar. 2013. Reducing set recovery of densified wood with heat treatment. COST Action PF0904 Evaluation, Processing and Prediction of THM Treated Wood Behaviour by Experimental and Numerical Methods, April 9-11, Iasi, Romania. (Presentation)

King, D.T., J.J. Morrell, and A. Sinha. 2013. The effect of prolonged weather exposure on wood I-Joists. Presentation at Forest Products Society 67th International Convention, June 9-11, Austin, TX. (Presentation)

Kutnar, A., A. Ugovsek, F.A. Kamke, and M. Šernek. 2013. Bonding performance of densified VTC beech bonded with liquefied wood. COST Action PF0904 Evaluation, Processing and Prediction of THM Treated Wood Behaviour by Experimental and Numerical Methods, April 9-11, Iasi, Romania. (Presentation)

Kamke, F.A. 2012. Above and beyond wood. BEST FEST 2012, September 12, Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies Center, Portland, OR. (Presentation)

Lampert, N., and L. Muszynski. 2013. An Optical Method for Detection and Measurement of Resin Coverage and Distribution in PB and FB Furnish. WBC I/UCRC Industry Advisory Board Meeting, October 7-8, Toronto, ON. (Poster)

Leavengood, S. 2013. Time-lapse video of maple checking.

Leavengood, S. 2013. Final report on maple veneer checking research. Western Hardwood Plywood Producers spring


meeting. Corvallis, OR. (Presentation)

Murphy, G.E., F. Belart, T. Kent, and P.D. Kofman. 2012. Forecasting and monitoring moisture content of woody biomass in Ireland and Oregon to improve supply chain economics. COFE Annual Conference, September, New Bern, NC. (Presentation)

Murphy, G.E., T. Kent, and P.D. Kofman. 2012. Forecasting air-drying rates of woody biomass in Ireland and Oregon. Oregon Society of American Foresters Conference, April, Seaside, OR. (Poster)

Murphy, G.E., T. Kent, and P.D. Kofman. 2012. Forecasting and monitoring moisture of woody biomass in Ireland and Oregon. Precision Forestry in Advance Symposium, March, Mount Gambier, Australia. (Presentation)

Muszyński, L., M. Schwarzkopf, and J.A. Nairn. 2013. An integrated method for measurement and modeling of the micromechanics of the internal bond in wood plastic composites (WPCs). International IUFRO Conference MeMoWood: Measurement Methods and Modelling Approaches for Predicting Desirable Future Wood Properties. October 1-4, Nancy, France. (Poster)

Muszyński, L., M. Schwarzkopf, J.A. Nairn, and X. Lin. 2012. Measurement and Modeling of the Micromechanics of the Internal Bond in Wood Plastic Composites. 6th European congress on computational methods in applied sciences and engineering (ECCOMAS 2012), September 10-14, Vienna, Austria. (Presentation)

Schwarzkopf, M., L Muszyński, and J. Nairn. 2012. A Methodology for the Characterization of Micromechanical Load Transfer in the Wood Particle and Matrix Interphase of WPCs. 66th FPS International Convention, June 9-11, Washington, DC. (Presentation)

Schwarzkopf, M., L. Muszyński, and J. Nairn. 2013. A Methodology for the Characterization of Micromechanical Load Transfer in the Wood Particle and Matrix Interphase of WPCs. 67th FPS/SWST International Convention, June 9-11, Austin, TX. (Presentation and Poster)

Schwarzkopf, M., L. Muszyński, J.A. Nairn, and X. Lin. 2013. Empirical Investigation of Micromechanics of the Internal Bond in Wood Plastic Composites. The

6th International Symposium on Wood Fibre Polymer Composites, September 23-24, Biarritz, France. (Presentation)

Schwarzkopf, M., L. Muszyński, J. Nairn, and J. Paris. 2013. A Stereomicroscopic Optical Method for the Assessment of Load Transfer Patterns Across the Adhesive Bond Interphase. 67th FPS/SWST International Convention, June 9-11, Austin, TX. (Poster)

Schwarzkopf, M.J., L. Muszyński, J.A. Nairn, J. Paris, X. Lin, and F. Hussain. 2012. Micro-Mechanical Measurements of Load Transfer in Two Wood-Based Composite Materials. FPS 66th International Convention, June 3-5, Washington, DC. (Presentation and Poster)

Scouse, A., F.A. Kamke, and J.J. Morrell. 2011. Bio-compounds for improved decay resistance of next generation engineered composites. 65st International Meeting of Forest Products Society, June 19-21, Portland, OR. (Poster)

Scouse, A., F.A. Kamke, and J. Morrell. 2012. Durability assessment of THM-treated wood. The Sixth European Conference on Wood Modification ECWM6, September 16-18, Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Poster)

Scouse, A., J. Morrell, and F.A. Kamke. 2012. Durability assessment of THM-treated wood. Forest Products Society, 66th International Convention, June 3-5, Washington, DC. (Poster)

Sessions, J. 2012. Invited poster presented at the Society of American Foresters Annual Meeting, Honolulu, HI.

Sessions, J. 2012. Poster presented at the Oregon Logging Conference, February 2012.

Sessions, J. 2012. Poster presented at the annual NARA meeting, September, Missoula, MT.

Way, D., J. Traver and D. Smith. 2011. Characterization of Woody Biomass Fuels Prepared from Forest Slash. Poster presentation by student participants at Forest Products Society annual meeting, June, Portland, OR.

Way, D., J. Traver, and D. Smith. 2012. Characterization of Woody Biomass Fuels Prepared from Forest Slash. Poster presentation by student participants at International Wood Composites Symposium, March, Seattle, WA.


College of ForestryOregon State University109 Richardson HallCorvallis, OR 97331 USA (541) 737-2222

www.forestry.oregonstate.eduwoodscience.oregonstate.edu/research-community/wood-utilization-research

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