BioMatNet Item: FAIR-CT95-0091 - Round Small Diameter Timber for Constructions

FAIR-CT95-0091
Round Small Diameter Timber for Constructions

Contacts
Website: www.vtt.fi/rte/
Further Information

To find similar Items, click on a keyword below:
FAIR Area 1.3 - Forestry-Wood Chain : Solid Wood Products : Wood (Lignocellulose)

	Type of Project	Shared Cost
	Contract No	FAIR-CT95-0091
	Total Cost	1 686 334 ECU
	EC Contribution	990 000 ECU
	Start Date	01/01/1996
	Duration	36 months

The following publications have been produced by this project:
Round small diameter timber for construction - Market summary
Round small diameter timber for construction market in Finland

Round small diameter timber for construction

Objectives

Technical Approach

The objective of the research is to develop structural systems in which small diameter round timber can be used and thereby create new market for round small diameter timber (8-15 cm) which is harvested in thinnings and available in large quantities in most European countries.

Expected Results

Recommendations for economic harvesting and drying methods of small diameter construction timber.
Prototypes for debarking and structural jointing.
Design strength values and a grading system for Norway spruce, Scots pine, sitka spruce, larch and Douglas fir.
Design guidelines and structural details for load bearing structures.
Demonstration of the use of small round wood in buildings.

In all participating countries the potential market for round timber would is in buildings located in rural areas. The buildings would generally be related to the leisure and recreational industries (for example, cottages, holiday homes, bridges, children's farms, equestrian buildings, towers) and agriculture. In such areas, round pole construction is regarded by architects as appropriate technology enabling it to be used in larger and more prestigious constructions.

Various buildings constructed using round small diameter timber

A tower constructed from round small diameter timber

Contacts

Coordinator

Alpo RANTA-MAUNUS / VTT Technical Research Centre Finland Building Technology / FINLAND

EC Scientific Officer

Alexandros ARABATZIS / European Commission DG Research Theme 1 Key Action 5.3 / BELGIUM

Participant