Primary goal
The project aims to continue durability assessment and maintenance of the Centre’s large-scale collaborative field trial, initially on an annual basis. Assessments will include conventional probing to measure the effects of biodegradation in test samples, in addition (where appropriate) to static and non-destructive testing (NDT) to measure the mechanical properties of beams.
Other established tests will be assessed periodically (ie every 3 years). In addition to data analysis, reporting of product durability performance and analysing relationships between test methods and sites, the project will also use 3D imaging technology to investigate the progress of decay in various stages and in different product types.
Key outcomes to date
- CCA treatment success is highly dependent on sapwood content and heartwood penetration.
- LOSP uptake is more uniform, with weaker correlation to wood anatomy.
- Pitch defects consistently reduce uptake in both CCA and LOSP treatments.
- Density is not a reliable predictor for preservative uptake.
- Statistical validation confirmed LOSP consistency across two large treatment batches.
- Recommendations include incorporating sapwood / defect assessment into grading protocols.
Progress
This project commenced in 2022 and will finish by 2026.
Sustainable Development Goals
This project works towards these UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 15: Life on Land