Physical and mechanical laboratory

The physical and mechanical laboratory carries out tests on wood and wood-based materials covering both timber for structural use (solid and glued laminated timber, structural panels) and non-structural use (characterisation of wood as raw material). In particular, visual and machine strength grading systems are developed, using non-destructive instruments. For glued products, the bonding quality is verified, both with mechanical and delamination tests.

TEAM

Michele Brunetti (person in charge)
Stefano Berti
Efisio Mele
Michela Nocetti
Paolo Pestelli
Paolo Burato

Research

Valorisation of small round timber
This study aims to improve the commercial value of small softwood round timber deriving from thinning. The parameters involved in the valorisation are: log processing, batch formation, selling way, new end-uses.

Valorisation of low quality timber
Non conventional uses of locally produced wood, especially pines and chestnut, are tested. Playground equipments, noise barriers, safety barriers, houses for emergency have been designed and constructed using low quality timber.

Machine grading of Italian wood for structural uses
This research aims to setting a machine grading process useful for Italian structural timber deriving from three Regions: Trentino Alto-Adige, Toscana, Calabria.

Influence of cultivation practices on wood quality
Using macro and microscopic analysis we are evaluating the effects of cultivation practices, especially pruning and thinning, on wood quality of broadleaves species.

Diagnosis of ancient wooden structures
Ancient wooden structures are evaluated using in situ visual and instrumental non-destructive techniques; standard references have been established in the frame of Cultural Heritage.

main equipment

- Universal testing machine 200.000 N
- Universal testing machine 30.000 N
- Climatic chamber 2000 litres -20/+120°C
- Climatic room 20°C / 65%
- Drying oven
- Dynamometric drilling machine
- Precision weighing systems
- Gages
- Transducers
- Hygrometers

Keywords

wood characteristics
wood quality
physical and mechanical properties
valorisation of roundwood
valorisation of small dimension wood
wood structural grading
diagnostic on timber structures

[Last updated on: 31-01-2013]