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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation
Turner-Fairbank logo
OFFICE OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGY AT THE TURNER-FAIRBANK HIGHWAY RESEARCH CENTER

Wood Species Identification and Field Grading

Project Information

Project ID:
FHWA-PROJ-08-0026
Project Abstract:

The strength of the timber found in covered bridges can vary considerably, not only because of age and condition, but also because of species and grade. For evaluation purposes, it is necessary that the design values for existing wood members be determined with as much accuracy as possible. The current practice is to assign wood values for strength and moduli from existing specifications, but oftentimes these values are inaccurate for the specific condition and can result is an unreliable assessment of the structure. This could be hazardous where the type, source, and grade of the existing wood are uncertain. This study will develop methodologies for species identification and approximated field grading of timbers.

Goals:

The objective is to develop methodologies for easier identification and design value estimation in grading of wood species onsite.

Research HUB ID:
7638
Project Status:
Completed
Project Funding Amount (Contract Award Amount):
$55,000.00
Start Date:
End Date:
Public Access Plan:
No
FHWA Program Area:
  • Infrastructure
Fiscal Year / AMRP Program / AMRP Activity:
  • FY 2002-2022 / Infrastructure / Structures

AMRP = Annual Modal Research Plan

Contact Information

Team:
Infrastructure Analysis and Construction Team
Office:
Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Office Code:
HRDI-20

Management Organizations