Search

On site characterization of wood members is a very challenging task, after consideration of all the variables affecting the material used for the construction and the complexity of the structure itself. Current procedures are limited to few characterizations; in general based on visual inspection supported by the localized drilling resistance analysis and moisture content estimation. The goal of this work was to highlight the potential of the infrared spectroscopy as a tool capable of providing complementary information for the expert inspector assessing the timber structures. The paper presents several examples of successful application of mid and near infrared spectroscopy as used for prediction of physical and mechanical properties of wood. Requirements for implementation of mid and/or near infrared spectroscopy in routine assessment protocols are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermo-vacuum process is an alternative technology for thermal modification of wood where reduction of oxygen concentration inside the reactor, necessary to avoid wood combustion, is obtained by applying vacuum. The goal of this research was to exploit the potential of near infrared spectroscopy for the quality control of TMW (prediction of mass loss and equilibrium moisture content in both softwoods and hardwoods), exposed to the thermal treatment in vacuum conditions. Applied chemometric techniques confirm great potentiality of the near infrared spectroscopy. Important parameters characterizing quality of TMW in vacuum conditions were predicted with high accuracy. Prediction errors of chemometric models based on near infrared spectra were relatively small; 0.9% and 0.36% in case of mass loss and equilibrium moisture content respectively. Such methodology might be helpful for development of on-line process control and for further optimization of the thermal treatment procedure at industrial scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Feasibility of a portable NIR sensor for determination of wood quality aspects was demonstrated. • The best performance was obtained for prediction of moisture, density and mechanical properties. • NIR was capable of classifying defects, trace raw resources and predicting delamination. • Suggestions for industrial integration in glue-laminated timber production were provided. The feasibility of a portable NIR sensor for off-line determination of diverse wood quality aspects relevant in the production of glue-laminated timber was demonstrated. The best performance was noticed for assessing wood moisture content, with a lower capacity to estimate wood density and mechanical properties. NIR spectroscopy was modestly capable of predicting surface roughness. However, the traceability of the raw resources and the automatic classification of diverse wood defects were successfully demonstrated. The developed chemometric model could predict the total delamination and detailed delamination length. Finally, recommendations regarding further system development were provided with the aim of implementation and integration of the NIR measurement into glue-laminated timber production plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]