The accurate prediction of the mechanical properties that can be expected from timber from standing trees has many benefits for the growers and processors of trees. It includes support in tree breeding selection, tree processing allocation decisions, site and silvicultural research and processing production planning. A number of methods have been developed over the last few decades with significant interest in the recent past in especially acoustic methods, near-infrared spectroscopy methods and the Australian multi-property measurement system known as Silviscan. This paper reviews the current literature on new and existing non-destructive or limited destructive property measurement methods on standing trees that can assist with the prediction of, in most cases, the modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture of timber.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

The fundamental factors responsible for the complexities in adhesive bonding of preservativetreated wood are predominantly wood species, preservative composition, and adhesive system. It is post-effect of these factors that process variables such as assembly times and bonding pressure exert secondary influences on adhesive-bond development in preservative-treated laminates. Hence, this study investigated the effect of copper azole (CA) and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT) impregnations on E. grandis heartwood (HW) and sapwood (SW) bonding with melamine-urea-formaldehyde and polyurethane adhesives. Based on the adhesives and bonding conditions investigated, the CA and DOTtreated E. grandis laminates do not satisfy at least one of the shear strength and delamination requirements according to EN 14080:2013. Contrary to delamination, shear strength was significantly affected by the HW-SW difference. This study established the basis for further considerations on adapting bonding conditions for improved adhesivebond performance in CA and DOT-treated E. grandis laminates towards manufacturing durable hardwood composite for tropical and subtropical environments.

No abstract