Wood composite I-joists have become an attractive option for floor joists in residential construction. One disadvantage of I-joists is the restrictions on hole size and the inability to notch the top compression flange. This technical paper evaluates two cold-formed steel reinforcers to strengthen I-joists that have been improperly cut—one to reinforce the top flange, and another to reinforce the web. The reinforcers were tested at various locations along the length of the beam. Based upon testing results, the notched I-joists with the flange reinforcers retained 60.2% of the strength and 77.0% of the stiffness of the original I-joists. The I-joists with the web hole and single-sided reinforcers retained 78.2%% of the strength and 95.7% of the stiffness of the original I-joists. I-joists with the web hole and the double-sided web reinforcers retained the I-joist strength and 95.1% of the stiffness of the original I-joist. These reductions in strength and stiffness can be used to determine if the reinforce...

Splitting failure modes of perpendicular to grain bolted connections have received little attention when compared to splitting modes in parallel to grain connections. Previous research by the authors tested a series of single bolt, double shear perpendicular to grain connections of machine stress rated (MSR) lumber, laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and parallel strand lumber (PSL). Many of the experimental tests resulted in failure by splitting. Two fracture mechanics based models for connections proposed elsewhere were applied. Input parameters for the models were generated by testing matched sections to the connection strength samples. Input properties for the Van der Put model included shear modulus and Mode I fracture energy. Inputs for the Jensen model included shear modulus, modulus of elasticity, Mode I fracture energy, and tension perpendicular to grain strength. Mode I fracture energy of PSL was markedly greater than the energy associated with MSR Lumber and LVL. The Van der Put model overpredicted the experimental connection strength by at least 77%. The Jensen model was found to most accurately predict the connection strength over the entire range of configurations tested. Comparing the Van der Put and Jensen models to the previous work using the national design specification, the Jensen model performed the best in terms of accuracy. The tension perpendicular to grain strength and the method of fracture energy calculation may be important parameters for the capacity of perpendicular to grain loaded wood members.

The exact number of skateboards manufactured every year is unknown, but it is estimated to be in the millions. Most skateboard decks are made from a high grade of maple (Acer spp.) veneer plywood and typically last only a few months before they break or deteriorate beyond use. Millions of used skateboard decks are discarded annually, ending up in landfills when, instead, they could be recycled into new products. But beyond artistic or aesthetic purposes, material properties of the used skateboard decks are unknown. The objective of this paper is to investigate the material properties of wooden composite panels created by reengineering the skateboard deck material. These aesthetically pleasing wooden panels may be a sustainable recycled product. This paper presents a method of analyzing material properties and structural aspects of used skateboard deck material. Tests were developed to measure the stiffness and strength in bending, moisture content, specific gravity, moisture durability, and species identification. The results show that this process of reengineering skateboard decks makes for a strong wood product and may be useful to those interested in developing new products from recycled materials.

Companies in the construction industry have a wide range of suppliers to choose from to meet their building material needs. Local (in-state) suppliers within key southern states in the United States face challenges gaining market share within the construction sectors. Construction companies often outsource their purchase of wood products from a different state or country, which adversely affects the local economy as a result of loss of revenue. However, if companies were limited to in-state supply it would affect trade across states and countries; but the focus was to improve local wood products supplier market impact. Companies within the states of Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia were interviewed by phone and in person to determine how companies chose wood product suppliers and what factors affected their purchasing decisions. Key factors included cost, quality, delivery, flexibility, location, relationship, and payment options. A survey of construction companies was conducted after the interviews were concluded. Important factors highlighted by responses included cost, quality, relationship, and lead time in choosing a supplier. Suppliers were asked to differentiate their products using information the construction companies highlighted as factors they emphasized. In-state wood product suppliers have an opportunity to gain market share within the construction industry using the factors those construction companies favored in interviews and survey results.

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