Evaluation of Lumber Properties in the United States and Their Application to Structural Research

A research program at the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory is assessing the performance of light-frame structures. Evaluation of properties of structural lumber has been initiated using Douglas Fir and Southern Pine 2 by 4 STUD grade and 2 by 8 No. 2 grade. Sampling of lumber by serial lots was successful. The procedure for mill and lot selection may require revision in future sampling in order to simplify the procedure. The data will be input to wall and floor system analysis to calibrate conventional light-frame design in the United States. Supporting research on statistical methods suggests nonparametric statistics may be required if confidence goals are to be met for near-minimum properties. Several promising proofloading procedures have been reviewed, but a potential conflict between distributional information and near-minimum estimates must be faced.

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