(1) The assessment of the mechanical properties of old timber is essential for the proper maintenance of wooden structures. (2) Among the non-destructive properties, the dynamic modulus of elasticity is one of the best predictors of the mechanical characteristics of the members, but it requires the determination of wood density to be determined. (3) Thus, wood density was estimated by drilling resistance measurements, developing species-specific prediction equations for silver fir, chestnut and poplar. (4) The estimated density was combined with the stress wave velocity propagating longitudinally through the wooden piece, and the dynamic modulus of elasticity was calculated. (5) Medium-high coefficient determinations (R² from 0.79 to 0.94) were found for density estimation, and medium coefficient determinations (R² from 0.53 to 0.60) were found for the estimation of the static modulus of elasticity using the dynamic modulus.

The study sampled six representative work sites in Northern and Central Italy, in order to assess the risk for developing musculo-skeletal disease due to poor work posture (postural risk) among the operators engaged in semi-mechanized post debarking operations. Assessment was conducted with the Ovako Working posture Analysis System (OWAS) on 1200 still frames randomly extracted from videotaped work samples. The postural risk associated with post debarking was relatively low, and varied with individual operations based on their specific set up. Postural risk was higher for the loading station compared with the unloading station, which makes a strong argument for job rotation. The study suggested that the infeed chute of small-scale debarkers might be too basic and should be further developed, in order to reduce postural risk. Obviously, better machine design should be part of an articulate strategy aimed at decreasing the postural risk and based on proper worksite organization and specific worker training.

Moisture content is the most relevant quality parameter for wood fuels. Effective and fast determination of moisture of incoming feedstock is essential in the management of bioenergy facilities. The availability of fast and reliable moisture meters based on innovative technologies simplifies this task. However, in Mediterranean conditions the inherent variability of wood fuels calls for a careful sampling strategy if representative results are required while facing acceptable analytic costs. The present study is aimed at measuring the fuel heterogeneity and defining accordingly the appropriate number of samples to be analyzed in order to get reliable moisture-content results. A total of 70 truckloads (about 2270 t of woodchips) were sampled during commercial operations in two different seasons. Five samples were collected from each load and measured with standard method and magnetic resonance gauge. Results show that the variability of moisture content is influenced by mixing of species and storage of biomass. Heterogeneity can vary greatly also within single truckloads, to the point that three samples are needed to achieve about 90% of estimates within the desired precision limits. In the case of larger lots, such as barge or ship loads, 20 samples can provide sufficient precision in most scenarios.