A Perspective on Structural Lumber Grading

Allowable properties for visual stress grades are not simply material properties obtained by experiment and analysis; allowables for structural materials also reflect design and construction practices and historical experience. Thus, innovative changes in allowable properties can probably be brought about only when all of these elements are properly considered. To provide for, an orderly transition towards more effective use of stress-graded lumber, a set of concepts is needed that unifies, grading method, design procedures, and construction practices. It should be. compatible with the present, and flexible enough to permit a spectrum of innovations. Reliability Analysis appears to offer this framework of concepts. New research programs will require assessment of reliability of present systems as a benchmark for progress. From this, more efficient stress grading can be translated into better design with equal reliability.

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