A Status Report . . . Nondestructive Testing in Wood

Nondestructive testing of wood has developed recently as a distinct area of study. In nondestructive testing, material is examined to assess its discontinuities and properties without impairment of the use of the specimen. Nondestructive tests can be classified according to the test method used or according to the product tested and the property measured. Methods for determining three mechanical properties–modulus of elasticity in bending, and modulus of rupture in bending and in compression–are described. Important physical properties which can be tested nondestructively include density, moisture content, dimension, dimensional stability, flaws, and surface quality. Most of the spectacular developments in nondestructive testing concern detection of flaws–voids, lack of bond, and low bond strength. Testing methods include ultrasound, sonics, radiation, and electricity. Tests for chemical properties, particularly stability and compatibility, have not been extensively developed. Though nondestructive testing is being applied in many places in the wood industry, growth is to be found only in the area of structural lumber grading.

You must be logged in to download any documents. Please login (login accounts are free) or learn how to Become a Member