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Thursday, 27 October 2016

Techniques and productivity of coppice harvesting operations in Europe: a meta-analysis of available data

Published Date
Original Paper
First Online: 
21 September 2016
DOI: 10.1007/s13595-016-0578-x

Cite this article as: 
Spinelli, R., Cacot, E., Mihelic, M. et al. Annals of Forest Science (2016). doi:10.1007/s13595-016-0578-x

Author
  • Raffaele Spinelli
  • Emmanuel Cacot
  • Matevz Mihelic
  • Ljupco Nestorovski
  • Piotr Mederski
  • Eduardo Tolosana

Abstract

Key message

Coppice harvesting technology is evolving toward increased mechanization and larger more efficient equipment. Nevertheless, cheap and versatile general-purpose machines (excavators and farm tractors) still represent the backbone of coppice mechanization, which is consistent with the rural character of coppice economy.

Context

Operating within the scope of COST Action FP1301 “Eurocoppice”, the authors conducted a survey of coppice harvesting studies produced in Europe from 1970 to present. The survey focused on traditional coppice stands and excluded industrial short-rotation coppice, established with willow, poplar, eucalyptus, or other fast-growing species.

Aims

The goals of this study were to calculate productivity benchmarks for coppice harvesting operations and to gauge the progress achieved over the past 40-plus years.

Methods

Data from existing studies (published and unpublished) were collected through a harmonized questionnaire and gathered into a single master database. Statistical analysis was used to estimate productivity models and determine possible differences between methods, work conditions, and time periods.

Results

Six productivity models were estimated for the main harvesting steps and technologies. Productivity varied with a number of factors and notably with removal (m3 ha−1). The analysis disclosed a clear trend toward increased mechanization and higher productivity.

Conclusion

Coppice harvesting is being mechanized, but the mechanization deployed in coppice stands is adapted to the specific conditions offered by these stands. Light, cheap, and versatile machines are generally preferred to heavy industrial equipment.

Keywords

FellingExtractionLoggingHardwood mechanizationClear cutSelection


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For further details log on website :
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13595-016-0584-z
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Influence of nanoclay on urea–glyoxalated lignin–formaldehyde resins for wood adhesive

Published Date
Author

Hamed Younesi-Kordkheili, Saeed Kazemi Najafi & Rabi Behrooz
Pages 1-13 | Received 03 May 2015, 
Accepted author version posted online: 17 Sep 2015, 
Published online: 17 Sep 2015
Abstract



In this research, the influence of nanoclay on urea–glyoxalated lignin–formaldehyde (GLUF) resin properties has been investigated. To prepare the GLUF resin, glyoxalated soda baggase lignin (15 wt%) was added as an alternative for the second urea during the UF resin synthesis. The prepared GLUF resin was mixed with the 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% nanoclay by mechanically stirring for 5 min at room temperature. The physicochemical properties of the prepared resins were measured according to standard methods. Then the resins were used in particleboard production and the physical and mechanical properties of the manufactured panels were determined. Finally, from the results obtained, the best prepared resin was selected and its properties were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Generally the results indicated that the addition of sodium-montmorillonite (NaMMT) up to 1.5% appears to improve the performance of GLUF resins in particleboards. The results also showed that nanoclays improved mechanical strength (modulus of elasticity (MOE), Modulus of Rupture (MOR), and internal bond (IB) strength) of the panels bonded with GLUF resins. The panels containing GLUF resin and nanoclay yielded lower formaldehyde emission as well as water absorption content than those made from the neat GLUF resins. XRD characterization indicated that NaMMT only intercalated when mixed with GLUF resin. Based on DSC results, the addition of NaMMT could accelerate the curing of GLUF resins. The enthalpy of the cure reaction (ΔH) of GLUF resin containing NaMMT was increased compared with neat GLUF resin. Also the results of FTIR analysis indicated that addition of NaMMT change the GLUF resins structures.

For further details log on website :
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/figure/10.1080/00218464.2015.1072467?scroll=top&needAccess=true
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Ontogeny influences developmental physiology of post-transplant Quercus rubra seedlings more than genotype

Published Date
Original Paper
First Online: 
03 October 2016
DOI: 10.1007/s13595-016-0584-z

Cite this article as: 
Sloan, J.L. & Jacobs, D.F. Annals of Forest Science (2016). doi:10.1007/s13595-016-0584-z

Author
  • Joshua L. Sloan
  • Douglass F. Jacobs 
    • Email author
Abstract

Key message

Seedling ontogeny exerted a greater influence on physiological activity ofQuercus rubraseedlings than genetics; thus, it may be more important to use an appropriate growth index to account for seedling ontogeny in experiments than to control for genetic variation.

Context

Members of the genus Quercus exhibit semi-determinate growth, resulting in complex and developmentally variable endogenous physiological patterns. The Quercus morphological index (QMI; Hanson et al. Tree Physiol. 2:273-281, 1986) was developed as a tool to relate physiological patterns to morphologically identifiable ontological stages, thereby allowing for treatment or measurement of seedlings at uniform ontological stages rather than strictly by chronology.

Aims

Although clear physiological patterns relative to seedling ontogeny have been observed using the QMI in pre-transplant half-sibling seedlings, we sought to determine whether physiological patterns remain consistent across genotypes within a species.

Methods

We examined net photosynthesis, transpiration, leaf chlorophyll concentrations, and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm) throughout the first flush after transplant for northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings from three half-sibling families.

Results

Neither net photosynthesis nor transpiration rates varied by family, whereas leaf chlorophyll concentrations and Fv/Fm differed significantly. Despite family differences for magnitudes of some parameters, no interactions between QMI growth stage and family were observed, and patterns of all parameters relative to growth stage were consistent across families. Net photosynthetic rates, transpiration rates, and Fv/Fm increased during the flush, while leaf chlorophyll concentration decreased, suggesting that chlorophyll synthesis is not a limiting factor during leaf maturation in this species.

Conclusion

Findings indicate that QMI-based physiological patterns may be at least regionally applicable within a given Quercus species.

Keywords

Growth indexEpisodic growthPlant developmentSeedling physiologyExperimental error




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For further details log on website :
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A new model for the influence of particle arrangement and interphase on the stiffness of particulate composites

Published Date
Author

E. Sideridis

Pages 1-40 | Received 11 Mar 2015, 
Accepted author version posted online: 29 Oct 2015, 
Published online: 29 Oct 2015
Abstract

In this work, the stiffness of a composite containing spherical particles surrounded by an inhomogeneous interphase embedded in an isotropic matrix is evaluated. The elastic constants of the interphase are modeled as continuous radial functions. It is assumed that this third phase developed between the polymeric matrix and the filler particles contains both areas of absorption interaction in polymer surface layers onto filler particles and areas of mechanical imperfections.It can be said that the concept of boundary interphase is a useful tool to describe quantitatively the adhesion quality between matrix and particles and that there is an effect of this phase on the thermomechanical properties of the composite. The thickness and volume fraction of this phase were determined from heat capacity measurements for various filler contents.On the other hand, it is assumed that the particle arrangement (distribution) and their interactions should affect the thermomechanical constants of the composite.The theoretical predictions were compared with experimental results as well as with other theoretical values derived from expressions given in the literature and in some cases, they were found to be in a reasonable agreement.

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http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014374961400027X
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Adhesively bonded connections in the context of timber engineering – A Review

Published Date
Author
Till Vallée, Thomas Tannert & Simon Fecht
Pages 1-31 | Received 24 Apr 2015, Accepted 07 Jul 2015, 
Accepted author version posted online: 01 Sep 2015, 
Published online: 01 Sep 2015
Abstract

If there is one domain of civil engineering in which adhesives are currently booming, then it is timber engineering. Natural adhesives have been used for centuries to structurally connect timber elements, a trend that culminated in the beginning of the 20th century with the introduction of glue-laminated beams. With the introduction of synthetic adhesives, and their increasing economic success after World War II, a wide range of products is now available that have the potential to free timber engineering from most of its structural and size limitations. This review article is intended to shed some light on the current state-of-the-art regarding adhesively bonded connections in the context of timber engineering. First, the relevant properties of timber as an adherend are discussed, then different – including several hybrid – approaches for structurally jointing timber are illustrated and finally, different design approaches are presented.

For further details log on website :
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014374961400027X
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Experimental Determination of the Tensile and Shear Behaviour of Adhesives under Impact Loading

Published Date
Author
J. Neumayer, P. Kuhn, H. Koerber & R. Hinterhölzl
Pages 503-516 | Received 24 Jul 2015, Accepted 07 Sep 2015, 
Accepted author version posted online: 25 Sep 2015, Published online: 25 Sep 2015
Abstract

A robust analysis of adhesively bonded joints requires valuable input data for simulation. Mechanical properties of adhesives in tensile and shear directions at high deformation rates are necessary, particularly for crash scenarios. Butt joint specimens and lap shear specimens were, therefore, tested under impact loading using a tensile split Hopkinson bar (SHB). In this study, the adhesive deformation was measured using a high-speed camera and digital image correlation (DIC). The method was compared to a measurement of the adhesive deformations using the classical SHB analysis. It could be shown that the accuracy of the deformation measurement was significantly increased using high-speed imaging and DIC. In the butt joint specimens, the adhesive stiffness was 12.28 times higher and the energy absorbed was 1.83 times smaller using the DIC measurement than when using the classical SHB measurement of the deformations. In the lap shear specimens, the adhesive stiffness was 6.13 times higher and the energy absorbed was 1.29 times smaller compared to a classical SHB measurement of deformations. Additionally, a 3D finite element analysis showed that the design of the specimens has a minor influence on the stress–deformation relation. Therefore, accurate stress–deformation relations of adhesives under impact loading can be obtained in SHB experiments using DIC measurement.

For further details log on website :
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014374961400027X
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Shear Strength and Durability Testing of Adhesive Bonds in Cross-laminated Timber

Published Date
Author
Karol S. Sikora, Daniel O. McPolin & Annette M. Harte
Pages 758-777 | Received 04 Aug 2015, 
Accepted 11 Sep 2015, 
Accepted author version posted online: 06 Oct 2015, 
Published online: 06 Oct 2015
Abstract

This paper addresses the quality of the interface- and edge-bonded joints in layers of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. The shear performance was studied to assess the suitability of two different adhesives, polyurethane (PUR) and phenol–resorcinol–formaldehyde (PRF), and to determine the optimum clamping pressure. Since there is no established testing procedure to determine the shear strength of the surface bonds between layers in a CLT panel, block shear tests of specimens in two different configurations were carried out, and further shear tests of edge-bonded specimen in two configurations were performed. Delamination tests were performed on samples which were subjected to accelerated aging to assess the durability of bonds in severe environmental conditions. Both tested adhesives produced boards with shear strength values within the edge-bonding requirements of prEN 16351 for all manufacturing pressures. While the PUR specimens had higher shear strength values, the PRF specimens demonstrated superior durability characteristics in the delamination tests. It seems that the test protocol introduced in this study for crosslam-bonded specimens, cut from a CLT panel, and placed in the shearing tool horizontally, accurately reflects the shearing strength of glue lines in CLT.

For further details log on website :
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S014374961400027X
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