Log breakdown by sawing can be viewed as a multi-phase process that converts logs into boards by a series of cutting operations. In the primary phase, logs are sawn into s labs of wood known as flitches or cants. These are further processed by secondary operations, that resaw, edge (cut lengthwise) and trim (cut widthwise) the raw material, resulting in the manufacture of the board product whose value is influenced by its composite dimensions and quality (as indicated by a grade). Board grade is in turn determined by the number, type, size, and location of defects. Owing to its biological origins, each log, and subsequent board, is unique. Furthermore, as each sawmill, and processing centre within the mill, has a unique configuration, the problem of determining how each log entering a mill should be sawn is very complex. Effective computer simulation of log breakdown processes must therefore entail detailed descriptions of both geometry and quality of individual logs. Appropriate strategies at each breakdown phase are also required. In this thesis models for emulating log breakdown are developed in conjunction with an existing sawing simulation system which requires, as input, detailed three-dimensional descriptions of both internal and external log characteristics. Models based on heuristic and enumerative procedures, and those based upon the principles of dynamic programming (DP) are formulated, encoded, and compared. Log breakdown phases are considered both independently and in a combined integrated approach-working backwards from the board product through to the primary log breakdown phase. This approach permits methodology developed for the later processes to be embedded within the primary phase thus permitting the determination of a global rather than local solution to the log breakdown problem whose objective is to seek the highest possible solution quality within the minimum possible time. Simulation results indicate that solution quality and processing speeds are influenced by both solution methodology and degree of data complexity. When the structure of either factor is simplified, solutions are generated more rapidly-but with an accompanying reduction in solution quality. A promising compromise that combines DP techniques with mathematical functions based on a subset of the original data is presented. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

Log breakdown by sawing can be viewed as a multi-phase process that converts logs into boards by a series of cutting operations. In the primary phase, logs are sawn into s labs of wood known as flitches or cants. These are further processed by secondary operations, that resaw, edge (cut lengthwise) and trim (cut widthwise) the raw material, resulting in the manufacture of the board product whose value is influenced by its composite dimensions and quality (as indicated by a grade). Board grade is in turn determined by the number, type, size, and location of defects. Owing to its biological origins, each log, and subsequent board, is unique. Furthermore, as each sawmill, and processing centre within the mill, has a unique configuration, the problem of determining how each log entering a mill should be sawn is very complex. Effective computer simulation of log breakdown processes must therefore entail detailed descriptions of both geometry and quality of individual logs. Appropriate strategies at each breakdown phase are also required. In this thesis models for emulating log breakdown are developed in conjunction with an existing sawing simulation system which requires, as input, detailed three-dimensional descriptions of both internal and external log characteristics. Models based on heuristic and enumerative procedures, and those based upon the principles of dynamic programming (DP) are formulated, encoded, and compared. Log breakdown phases are considered both independently and in a combined integrated approach-working backwards from the board product through to the primary log breakdown phase. This approach permits methodology developed for the later processes to be embedded within the primary phase thus permitting the determination of a global rather than local solution to the log breakdown problem whose objective is to seek the highest possible solution quality within the minimum possible time. Simulation results indicate that solution quality and processing speeds are influenced by both solution methodology and degree of data complexity. When the structure of either factor is simplified, solutions are generated more rapidly-but with an accompanying reduction in solution quality. A promising compromise that combines DP techniques with mathematical functions based on a subset of the original data is presented. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

Log breakdown by sawing can be viewed as a multi-phase process that converts logs into boards by a series of cutting operations. In the primary phase, logs are sawn into s labs of wood known as flitches or cants. These are further processed by secondary operations, that resaw, edge (cut lengthwise) and trim (cut widthwise) the raw material, resulting in the manufacture of the board product whose value is influenced by its composite dimensions and quality (as indicated by a grade). Board grade is in turn determined by the number, type, size, and location of defects. Owing to its biological origins, each log, and subsequent board, is unique. Furthermore, as each sawmill, and processing centre within the mill, has a unique configuration, the problem of determining how each log entering a mill should be sawn is very complex. Effective computer simulation of log breakdown processes must therefore entail detailed descriptions of both geometry and quality of individual logs. Appropriate strategies at each breakdown phase are also required. In this thesis models for emulating log breakdown are developed in conjunction with an existing sawing simulation system which requires, as input, detailed three-dimensional descriptions of both internal and external log characteristics. Models based on heuristic and enumerative procedures, and those based upon the principles of dynamic programming (DP) are formulated, encoded, and compared. Log breakdown phases are considered both independently and in a combined integrated approach-working backwards from the board product through to the primary log breakdown phase. This approach permits methodology developed for the later processes to be embedded within the primary phase thus permitting the determination of a global rather than local solution to the log breakdown problem whose objective is to seek the highest possible solution quality within the minimum possible time. Simulation results indicate that solution quality and processing speeds are influenced by both solution methodology and degree of data complexity. When the structure of either factor is simplified, solutions are generated more rapidly-but with an accompanying reduction in solution quality. A promising compromise that combines DP techniques with mathematical functions based on a subset of the original data is presented. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

Log breakdown by sawing can be viewed as a multi-phase process that converts logs into boards by a series of cutting operations. In the primary phase, logs are sawn into s labs of wood known as flitches or cants. These are further processed by secondary operations, that resaw, edge (cut lengthwise) and trim (cut widthwise) the raw material, resulting in the manufacture of the board product whose value is influenced by its composite dimensions and quality (as indicated by a grade). Board grade is in turn determined by the number, type, size, and location of defects. Owing to its biological origins, each log, and subsequent board, is unique. Furthermore, as each sawmill, and processing centre within the mill, has a unique configuration, the problem of determining how each log entering a mill should be sawn is very complex. Effective computer simulation of log breakdown processes must therefore entail detailed descriptions of both geometry and quality of individual logs. Appropriate strategies at each breakdown phase are also required. In this thesis models for emulating log breakdown are developed in conjunction with an existing sawing simulation system which requires, as input, detailed three-dimensional descriptions of both internal and external log characteristics. Models based on heuristic and enumerative procedures, and those based upon the principles of dynamic programming (DP) are formulated, encoded, and compared. Log breakdown phases are considered both independently and in a combined integrated approach-working backwards from the board product through to the primary log breakdown phase. This approach permits methodology developed for the later processes to be embedded within the primary phase thus permitting the determination of a global rather than local solution to the log breakdown problem whose objective is to seek the highest possible solution quality within the minimum possible time. Simulation results indicate that solution quality and processing speeds are influenced by both solution methodology and degree of data complexity. When the structure of either factor is simplified, solutions are generated more rapidly-but with an accompanying reduction in solution quality. A promising compromise that combines DP techniques with mathematical functions based on a subset of the original data is presented. / Subscription resource available via Digital Dissertations only.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal contribuir para aprimoramento dos procedimentos de ensaio e da metodologia de medição dos deslocamentos para determinação das deformações específicas de retração das madeiras de Eucalyptus urophylla, E. saligna e do híbrido urograndis nas direções radial e tangencial utilizando o método da Thin-plate Spline - TPS. Foi realizado um estudo teórico e prático de maneira a contribuir para a revisão do texto da Norma Brasileira NBR 7190/97 no sentido de otimizar os ensaios de variação dimensional, principalmente no que se refere à especificação dos corpos-de-prova e ao método utilizado para o cálculo das deformações específicas por retração. Para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa, foram utilizadas 30 árvores das espécies Eucalyptus urophylla, E. saligna, e urograndis provenientes da Estação Experimental de Ciências Florestais de Anhembi, SP. A análise estatística foi feita segundo o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com amostragem independente e cinco repetições utilizando-se os esquemas fatoriais 3 x 2 x 4 (espécie x altura x posição radial) para o estudo das variáveis obtidas dos corpos de prova em forma de cunha; 3 x 2 (espécie x altura) para o estudo das variáveis obtidas dos corpos-de-prova da NBR 7190/97 e dos discos de umidade; e 3 x 2 x 3 (espécie x altura x método) para o estudo das variáveis obtidas entre os métodos TPScunha, TPS-NBR e NBR. O método proposto mostrou-se sensível às deformações sofridas pelas amostras e possibilita uma análise detalhada das deformações em toda a superfície de um corpode- prova. Foram verificadas variações da retração no sentido medula-casca verificando-se que o método da TPS aplicado no corpo de prova do tipo cunha forneceu valores de retração sempre inferiores aos obtidos através dos procedimentos normatizados. Quando aplicado no corpo cúbico forneceu valores estatisticamente iguais aos obtidos pelo uso da NBR 7190/97. A umidade natural da madeira na árvore viva e a densidade básica da madeira não foram suficientes para explicar as variações encontradas na retração mas verificou-se uma tendência de a retração radial decrescer com o aumento dessas duas variáveis e de a retração tangencial crescer com o aumento da umidade natural e densidade básica. / The present research work had the aim to contribute for the development of testing procedures and evaluation of displacements to determine shrinkage of Eucalyptus urophylla, E. saligna and a hybrid E. urograndis in the radial and tangential directions using the Thin-plate Spline TPS method. It was carried out a theoretical and practical study in order to contribute to reviewing of Brazilian Standard NBR 7190/97 looking forward to optimize the dimensional variation testes mainly on the specification of specimen and method of assessment of shrinkage. Thirty trees of those species from the Forest Sciences Experimental Station of Anhembi were utilized for the study. The statistical analysis were made according full randomly experimental design with independent sampling and five replications through factorial scheme 3 x 2 x 4 (species x longitudinal location x radial location) for the study on variables obtained from the specimens which had the wedge shape; 3 x 2 (species x longitudinal location) for the study on variable obtained from the NBR 7190 standardized specimen and for the study on natural moisture content in trees and 3 x 2 x 3 (species x longitudinal location x method) to compare the methods of assessment of wood shrinkage. The proposed method showed to be sensible to samples shrinkage and make possible a detailed analysis of strains in the whole specimen surface. Shrinkages variations from pith to bark were studied observing that the TPS method applied on the wedge shape specimen produced shrinkage values smaller than those obtained through standardized procedures. When applied on cubic specimen produced values statistically the same as those obtained through NBR 7190/97. The natural moisture content in alive tree and the basic density of wood were not enough to explain the verified shrinkage variation but it was verified a tendency of the radial shrinkage to decrease as those variables increase and a tendency of tangential shrinkage to increase as the natural moisture and basic density also increase.

Multi-storey wooden buildings become more and more popular. As the new housing solutions are more accessible, acoustical inconveniences of wooden buildings become actual as never before. Wood, thanks to its high stiffness and low mass, allows to erect buildings at impressive pace, albeit cannot damp low frequency noises efficiently. This thesis is a part of the AkuTimber project run at Luleå University of Technology and partially covers one of the aspects considered within that project – attenuation of flexural wave in cross-laminated timber (CLT) at low frequencies by using a damping layer. In this thesis modal parameters of 3 different cases were taken into account – bare CLT panel, and 2 CLT panels with constrained layers – high density viscoelastic material and polyethene foil. The CLT panels were subjected to modal analysis with focus on bending modes below 50 Hz. Results were analyzed to observe the ability of the structures to attenuate flexural waves. / AkuTimber

Wood chemical treatment is an important process in the wood industry, in that such treatment alters the properties of wood so that a variety of wood-based products can be fabricated with enhanced performance. However, wood's complex composition and structure make it difficult to achieve consistent and controllable treatment. An innovative self-flowing process presented for the chemical treatment of wood is inspired by liquid transportation in trees. Effectiveness of the self-flowing process is evaluated and compared to conventional immersion and vacuum wood treatment methods. The self-flowing process allows a more uniform wood treatment compared to that from the immersion and vacuum pressure methods. Lignin content after self-flowing delignification is below 5% with a standard deviation of 0.7, compared to ~20% with a standard deviation of 8 for both immersion and vacuum pressure methods. The self-flowing process allows 100% chemical impregnation depth for the preservation treatment. A mathematical model was developed to simulate the self-flowing process. This model can accurately predict the treatment time required for achieving desired results under various conditions, including temperature, wood density, and liquid properties. This work demonstrates that the self-flowing treatment is a highly efficient, cost-effective, and reliable method in wood preservation and modification industries.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo geral estudar a influência do manejo florestal no rendimento e na qualidade tecnológica da madeira serrada de uma população plantada de Eucalyptus grandis, de 21 anos de idade, manejada pelo sistema de desbastes seletivos com aplicação de fertilizantes na época do início dos desbastes. Os fatores utilizados foram três intensidades de desbastes seletivos (37, 50 e 75%), presença ou ausência de fertilizantes, três classes de diâmetro e três posições verticais ao longo da altura do fuste comercial.As influências dos fatores e de suas combinações nas tensões de crescimento das árvores foram avaliadas de forma indireta através das rachaduras de extremidade de tora, rachadura de extremidade de tábua úmidas e secas, encurvamento e arqueamento de tábua úmida e deslocamento da medula em relação à sua normal posição central. Foram avaliadas, também, porcentagem de casca e conicidade de toras, que são variáveis que interferem no rendimento em madeira serrada; massa específica da madeira à umidade de equilíbrio ao ar; módulo de elasticidade estrutural na flexão estática não destrutiva, determinado em tábuas secas de dimensões comerciais e um sistema de classificação de tábuas segundo diferentes classes de qualidade. O deslocamento da medula, conicidade, porcentagem de casca e o índice de rachaduras de topo de tora não sofreram nenhuma influência significativa dos fatores desbaste, adubação e classe de diâmetro. As rachaduras de extremidade de tábua serrada seca ou verde, encurvamento, arqueamento e o módulo de elasticidade estrutural sofreram influências dos fatores desbaste, adubação e classe de diâmetro em algumas situações específicas. O índice de rachadura de tábuas serrada verde ou seca diminui da medula para a casca enquanto que o encurvamento de peça serrada e o módulo de elasticidade estrutural aumentam da medula para a casca. O arqueamento das tábuas não apresenta nenhuma tendência de variação ao longo do raio da tora. A metodologia não destrutiva utilizada para avaliação do módulo de elasticidade estrutural à flexão estática demonstrou-se ser simples, prática e eficiente.Na classificação das tábuas serradas foi constatado que a posição relativa da tábua no raio interfere nas classes de qualidade da madeira. A freqüência de tábuas de 1ª classe aumenta da medula para a casca enquanto que as tábuas de refugo diminuem da medula para casca. A massa específica da madeira à umidade de equilíbrio ao ar sofreu influência do fator adubo e aumenta significativamente da medula para a casca. A intensidade de 75% de desbaste propiciou, de maneira geral, maior homogeneidade de qualidade da madeira ao longo do raio. Observa-se boas relações positivas entre rachadura de tábua seca e rachadura de tábua verde, mas a melhor relação foi observada entre o rendimento em madeira serrada seca e o rendimento em madeira serrada verde com destopo. / The study had the general objective of studying the influence of forest thinning on the some yield and technological quality indicators of sawn wood from a 21 year old grown Eucalyptus grandis stand managed by selective thinning with the use of fertilizers at 6 years old. The thinning intensities (37, 50 and 75%), presence or absence of fertilizers, two diameter classes, two vertical positions along the stem commercial height and three longitudinal position along the tree radius were taken as the study factors. The influences of the factors treatments and their combinations on tree growth stresses were evaluate indirectly through log end splitting, green and dry sawn lumber end splitting, green sawn lumber bow and spring and pith displacement from it normal central position. The percentage of bark and log taper which are variables that interfere on the sawn wood yield was also evaluated. Structural modulus of elasticity at static bending determined in commercial dimensions dry sawn lumber and a grading system of sawn pieces were determined. Thinning and fertilization had no significant effect on pith displacement, log tapering, bark percentage and log end splitting index. Green and dry sawn lumber, bow, spring and structural modulus of elasticity were influenced by thinning, fertilization and diameter class in some specific situations. Green or dry sawn lumber end splitting index decreases from pith to bark although green sawn lumber bow and the structural modulus of elasticity increase toward the periphery of the tree. Green lumber spring presents no variation tendency along the log radius. The methodology of non-destructive testing used for structural modulus of elasticity evaluation at static bending had demonstrated to be simple, practical and efficient. It was observed during sawn lumber grading operation that the relative position of a piece in the tree radius interferes on its class grade. The frequency of first class lumber increases from pith to bark while the refused pieces number decreases toward the outer part of the tree. In general the 75% thinning intensity slightly promoted a better homogeneity of sawn wood quality along the tree radius.

A madeira é um material de grande versatilidade, que atende a demanda de importantes setores da nossa economia. Além de ser uma matéria-prima natural e renovável, o consumo energético envolvido em sua manufatura é bem menor quando comparado com outros materiais de origem mineral. Porém, características intrínsecas da madeira resultam na sua capacidade de troca higroscópica com o ambiente, que se manifesta durante sua vida útil e causa a movimentação dimensional dos produtos. Visando reduzir esse efeito indesejável, o presente estudo buscou melhorar a estabilidade dimensional da madeira de folhosas, a partir da aplicação de tratamentos térmicos adicionais, em madeiras submetidas à secagem ao ar e convencional. As madeiras selecionadas foram as espécies comercialmente conhecidas como Jatobá e Muiracatiara, das quais foram coletadas 5 tábuas radiais e 5 tábuas tangenciais de cada espécie, tanto secas ao ar e como em estufa, escolhidas do estoque de uma indústria de pisos de madeira maciça. Dessas tábuas foram cortadas amostras para a aplicação dos tratamentos térmicos, que consistiram da exposição da madeira a temperaturas de 60°C, 75°C e 90°C por períodos de 24, 48, 72 e 96 horas. Após os tratamentos as amostras foram expostas a um ambiente de baixa umidade relativa (Condicionamento 1) e, após estabilização, foram expostas a um ambiente de alta umidade relativa (Condicionamento 2). Ao final dos tratamentos térmicos e dos condicionamentos foram medidos os teores de umidade e as dimensões das amostras. Os resultados obtidos permitiram verificar que a umidade de equilíbrio da madeira de Jatobá foi menor do que a da Muiracatiara, comportamento similar ao das amostras tangenciais em relação às radiais e da madeira seca em estufa em relação à madeira seca ao ar; mas que essas diferenças não são importantes na industrialização da madeira. Dentre os tratamentos térmicos, o mais eficiente foi a exposição à temperatura de 90ºC, independente do tempo de exposição. Esse tratamento reduziu a higroscopicidade da madeira e a movimentação dimensional decorrente das variações no teor de umidade, sendo que esse efeito foi mais pronunciado na madeira seca em estufa do que na madeira seca ao ar. A principal conclusão é que o tratamento térmico adicional, utilizando temperatura de 90ºC, apresenta potencial para aplicação industrial visando reduzir a movimentação dimensional da madeira e seus derivados. / Lumber is a material of great versatility, which meets the demand of important sectors of our economy. In addition, lumber is a natural and renewable raw material; consuming less energy in its production when compared with other materials of mineral origin. However, hygroscopicity is an intrinsic characteristic of the wood, which remains active during the life cycle and cause dimensional movement of lumber and its products. To reduce this undesirable effect, the present study aimed to improve the dimensional stability of hardwood lumber through the application of additional heat treatments to conventional and air-dried timber. The selected species were those commercially known as Jatobá and Muiracatiara, of which were collected 5 quarter sawn and 5 flat sawn boards of each species, both air dried and kiln dried, chosen from the stock of a flooring mill. These boards were cut to samples for the application of heat treatment, which consist in lumber exposure to temperatures of 60ºC, 75ºC and 90ºC during periods of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. After heat treatment the samples were exposed to a dry environment (low relative humidity, Condition 1) and, after to reach equilibrium moisture content, exposed to a wet environment (high relative humidity, Condition 2). Samples dimensions and moisture content were measured after the heat treatment and both two conditioning. The obtained results allowed to verify that equilibrium moisture content of Jatobá lumber was smaller than Muiracatiara lumber, similar behavior found for flat sawn samples compared to quarter sawn and for kiln-dried in relation to air dried lumber; but these differences are not important in lumber industrialization processes. Among the heat treatments, the most effective was the exposure at a temperature of 90°C, regardless of time of exposure. This treatment reduced the wood hygroscopicity and its dimensional movement caused by the variation in its moisture content, and this effect was more pronounced in the kiln dried wood than in air dried wood. The main conclusion is that additional heat treatment, using a temperature of 90°C, have potential for industrial application aiming to reduce the dimensional movement of lumber and its products.

O gênero Eucalyptus vem alcançando boa posição no mercado de madeira sólida, devido à sua alta produtividade em madeira de qualidade mecânica satisfatória, que redunda em grande disponibilidade de matéria prima para a construção civil. A atualização da norma brasileira para projetos de estruturas de madeira (NBR 7190/97), introduziu modificações importantes como a proposição de classes de resistência para as propriedades da madeira, metodologias melhores fundamentadas para execução de ensaios de caracterização e condições mais concretas de verificação da segurança das estruturas quanto aos seus estados limites. No presente trabalho foram utilizados doze lotes de madeira serrada de eucalipto comercializadas na forma de vigas, onde foram estudadas as propriedades físicas e mecânicas da madeira para a classificação dos lotes nas classes de resistência propostas pela norma. Para a densidade básica e densidade aparente, os lotes se enquadraram nas quatro classes indicadas na norma NBR 7190/97 (C20, C30, C40 e C60). Para resistência à compressão paralela às fibras cinco lotes qualificaram-se na classe C40 e sete lotes na classe superior C60. Em relação ao módulo de elasticidade na compressão paralela às fibras um lote se enquadrou na classe inferior C20, 2 lotes na classe C30, seis lotes na classe C40 e três na classe C60. Para a resistência ao cisalhamento um lote se enquadrou na classe C40 e os demais na classe C60. Pôde-se verificar que os lotes de madeira serrada não podem ser diretamente classificados em uma mesma classe de resistência por todas as mecânicas da madeira. / The Eucalyptus genus has been reaching good position in the solid wood market due to its high productivity in wood of satisfactory mechanical quality, providing great availability for the building construction. The up date of the Brazilian Norm for projects of wood structures (NBR 7190/97), has introduced important modifications as the proposition of resistance grades for the properties of the wood, better methodologies for permitting the wood characterization and more concrete conditions to evaluate the structures safety in relation to its limit conditions. In the present work twelve lots of sawn wood of eucalyptus marketed in the form of beams were used for studying physical and mechanical properties of wood in order to classify the lots in the grade classes of mechanical quality proposed by the norm. It was verified that a set of wood cannot be directly classified into the same quality class according to all wood characteristics.