In Europe, machine strength grading of sawn timber for construction is governed by the harmonized European Standard EN 14081-2. A substantially changed revision of this standard has recently undergone Enquiry along with an accompanying proposed amendment to EN 14081-3. These standards have a direct, and significant, influence on grading yields, and the safety of structural timber. This paper briefly examines the new proposals and the motivation behind the changes. It also explores some of the implications of the proposed procedures, putting forward some possible improvements for discussion. The proposed fixed settings for Norway spruce are examined for spruce grown in the British Isles.
Keywords: strength grading, structural timber, standards, machine grading
Authors
Ridley-Ellis D.
Centre for Wood Science and Technology, Institute for Sustainable Construction, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, Scotland
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