Brittleheart as a critical feature for visual strength grading of tropical hardwood - Approach of detection

Hanna Kuisch, Wolfgang Gard, Erik Botter, Jan Willem Van De Kuilen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Brittleheart is a well-known phenomenon in many tropical wood species which reduces the strength properties considerably. According to national strength grading standards such as BS 5756 and NEN 5493, timber with brittleheart has to be rejected. In many cases, however, brittleheart is not visible on the outer surface and the cross section of sawn timber. This investigation has been focused on qualitative characterisation of compression failures in tropical hardwood in conjunction with non-destructive detection methods. Five grades of compression failures have been characterised by deformation and displacement of wood tissue. Preliminary results show that CT-scanning is a promising technique for detecting the defined grades. However, limitation of detection is due to the resolution of the scanners and contrast ability of imaging. Quantitative studies of brittleheart on mechanical properties are continuing.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWorld Conference on Timber Engineering 2012, WCTE 2012
Subtitle of host publicationTimber Engineering Challenges and Solutions
Pages20-29
Number of pages10
StatePublished - 2012
EventWorld Conference on Timber Engineering 2012: Timber Engineering Challenges and Solutions, WCTE 2012 - Auckland, New Zealand
Duration: 15 Jul 201219 Jul 2012

Publication series

NameWorld Conference on Timber Engineering 2012, WCTE 2012
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceWorld Conference on Timber Engineering 2012: Timber Engineering Challenges and Solutions, WCTE 2012
Country/TerritoryNew Zealand
CityAuckland
Period15/07/1219/07/12

Keywords

  • Brittleheart
  • CT scanning
  • Compression failures
  • Morphological characteristics
  • Tropical hardwood

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Brittleheart as a critical feature for visual strength grading of tropical hardwood - Approach of detection'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this