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This work seeks to develop engineering design values for domestic species that are at present limited to appearance, nonstructural grading. To date, with input from project cooperator Stairbuilders and Manufacturers Association, red oak, white oak, hard maple, yellow poplar, and Southern Pine have been identified as the major species of interest. These species groups have the greatest volumetric and economic impact in stair and guard construction. These appearance-grade domestic hardwoods and Southern Pine do not have engineering design values associated with them. Similarly, lumber less than 2 in. thick also in general lacks structural design values. The opportunity to retain and increase domestic and worldwide demand for high-value U.S. lumber for structural and architectural millwork is current and pressing. U.S. building regulations are striving to enforce structural code requirements with more than an approving jump on the stairs or bump of the rail, as has often been the case for years in residential construction. Inspection officials in municipal building departments are asking for engineering calculations or testing that proves compliance with accepted standards. On large commercial projects, these analyses are routine and expected, but in typical home construction, it is a barrier to the use of many U.S. species of wood. When engineering design properties for U.S. wood species are not available, other nonwood materials, such as steel, concrete, drywall, and glass, are often substituted for hardwood stair and balustrade systems.
Ross, Robert J.
| - FPL's Mission and Strategic Plan - |
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FPL's mission is to identify and conduct innovative wood and fiber utilization research that contributes to conservation and productivity of the forest resource, thereby sustaining forests, the economy, and quality of life. ... ..more » |
| - FPL Research Emphasis Areas - |
Advanced Composites
As an integral part of the FPL mission, we improve the long-term sustainability of our Nation's forests by creating valuable composite products from biobased materials ... ..more » 
Advanced Structures
The FPL has been in the forefront of wood-frame housing research since 1910 and has long been recognized as a world leader in such housing-related areas as engineered wood ... ..more » 
Forest Biorefinery
We all know the compelling reasons that the United States needs to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. Historically, the greatest increases in energy demand have been for transportation fuels ... ..more » 
Nanotechnology
A leader in wood products research for over a century, the FPL is positioning itself to become the lead Federal research facility for the application of nanotechnology in forest products ... more » 
Woody Biomass Utilization
Forests in the United States contain a substantial amount of small-diameter, overstocked, and underutilized material.FPL research projects are exploring the potential of the small-diameter ... ..more » |