Timber in Europe is normally graded under the EN 14081 framework [1]–[5]. Developing new grading assignments under these standards might not be feasible for unusual timber resources due to their limited availability, cost of the research and the content of the current grading standards, including strength class definitions. “Unusual” timber resources include:
- Lesser-used softwoods and hardwoods
- Commonly used timbers, but which are grown under unusual conditions
- Timber recovered from buildings (also “secondary timber”)
This paper explores alternative grading approaches that could be used for these resources and require less destructive testing, testing of smaller specimens, or achieve a better description of the timber properties to make the development of new grading assignments more economically sustainable. It describes approaches within and beyond the EN 14081 framework, and indicates routes to market for timbers that are not EN 14081 compliant.
Keywords: Strength grading, EN 14081, hardwood, recovered timber
Authors
Marlene Cramer
Edinburgh Napier University, United Kingdom
Daniel Ridley-Ellis
Edinburgh Napier University, United Kingdom
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