The Canadian government published a new
regulation on the formaldehyde emissions from
composite wood products which prohibits the
import, sale or offer for sale of composite wood
products that emit formaldehyde beyond
established limits. The new law will come into force
on January 7, 2023.
Pathogen detection and identification have been vastly improved with advances in genomics; however, knowledge gaps remain around efficacy and use in wood commodities, especially in regulatory settings. In part one of this project, we compared detection efficacy of different methods on common export and import forest products. In-situ detection was more sensitive than traditional isolation, with 100% detection rates for some methods. However, there were several false positives in control samples. False positive detection of quarantine pathogens on wood products could be a serious problem in trade. The goal of part two of this project was to determine the cause of the false positives. In addition, we continued to compare detection methods by looking at point of care detection with a portable qPCR system and using RNA assays to test pathogen viability. False positives were likely due to DNA contamination persisting through the various wood processing steps. These results confirm the need for additional confirmation of pathogen presence or viability after a positive DNA test. RNA assays failed to detect pathogen presence in most samples. Further testing is needed to determine optimal RNA extraction conditions to provide meaningful results. Point of care detection using portable tools was comparable to laboratory methods and would provide a useful tool for pre-screening commodities for the presence of quarantine pathogens.
A number of test series have been conducted at FPInnovations to evaluate the lateral resistance, fire resistance, and acoustic performance of the new Midply shear wall configuration. The results showed that the seismic force modification factors prescribed in the NBCC can be used, along with the enhanced lateral strength and stiffness. Moreover, with some minor design
considerations, it was found that the new Midply with the resilient channels and insulation materials in both sides of the wall and both cavities can provide at least 1 hour of fire-resistance rating and provide at least an ASTC of 47.
Un certain nombre de séries d'essais ont été réalisées à FPInnovations pour évaluer la résistance latérale, la résistance au feu et la performance acoustique de la nouvelle configuration de mur de contreventement Midply. Les résultats ont montré que les facteurs de modification de la force sismique prescrits dans le CNBC peuvent être utilisés, avec une résistance et une rigidité latérales améliorées. De plus, avec quelques considérations de
conception mineures, il a été constaté que le nouveau mur de refend Midply avec les profilés souples et les matériaux d’isolation des deux côtés du mur et dans les deux cavités peut fournir au moins une heure de degré de résistance au feu et un ITSA d’au moins 47.
To improve the accessibility of genomics for the identification of wood inhabiting microorganisms to FPInnovations’ members, we compared three different methods for metabarcoding on environmental DNA (eDNA): cloning with first generation Sanger sequencing, amplicon metabarcoding with second generation Illumina sequencing, and lastly amplicon metabarcoding with third generation, long read sequencing with the portable MinION. We looked at costs for each method, speed, and difficulty. Illumina metabarcoding was the most economically feasible method. Cloning was difficult, being prone to failure and requiring extensive trouble shooting to complete. Illumina metabarcoding must be outsourced which can take more time for project completion; however, little in-house troubleshooting is necessary. Third generation sequencing is an attractive alternative for routine analysis. It is rapid, low-cost, and takes little up-front capital for start-up. However, it may not be feasible if used infrequently given the time required to learn the technology and the rapid expiration of unused flow cells. For occasional projects, it is recommended to outsource amplicon metabarcoding to a facility that sequences either with second or third generation sequencers, including data analysis.
The overall objective of this study is to provide information to building design practitioners that will help to improve accuracy of hygrothermal models and enable them to better use these models to predict the durability and thermal performance of wood-based building envelopes. To achieve this, hygrothermal models using WUFI Pro software are validated with experimental data obtained from five wood-frame wall assemblies, with different insulation and vapour control strategies, exposed to the climatic conditions of Vancouver from October 2018 to May 2020. This exercise provides a set of model input parameters that the practitioner can use to assess similar structures exposed to similar environmental conditions. Sensitivity analysis is conducted on the model input parameters to establish which are the most important in obtaining a good fit to experimental measurements, and therefore accurate prediction of assembly performance. There is also discussion on limitations of the hygrothermal model.
The definitive guide for the mass timber design and construction of tall buildings has been updated to align with changes to national codes and standards. It builds on 12-storey mass timber gravity systems as an Acceptable Solution in the 2020 edition of the National Building Code, and targets supporting Alternative Solutions that will enable wood to be used beyond 12 storeys.
To download the book, go to: https://web.fpinnovations.ca/tallwood/
This InfoNote summarizes the verification and validation that the current design requirements of Annex B of CSA O86 can also be applied to small framing members used in unprotected and protected lightweight wood-frame assemblies, e.g., walls and floors. With minor editorial changes, the scope of application of Annex B of CSA O86 could include all wood and wood-based products listed in CSA O86, regardless of their original and residual dimensions.
Originally developed in Europe, self-tapping screws (STS) have become the proprietary fastener of choice in recently built mass timber buildings in North America. STS offers some advantages over other types of fasteners, such as (a) installation of STS inside wood members is easier as it does not require pre-drilling of holes inside members, (b) the yield moment, torsional strength and tensile strength of STS is comparatively high as the material forming the screw is usually hardened after rolling the thread, (c) the stiffness of the resulting connection is higher and the chances of slipping are less (Frese and Blass, 2009), and (d) STS with long threaded lengths makes it feasible for use in large structural members, e.g., mass timber products.
Recently, issues have been raised on failures of STS due to shrinkage and swelling of wood products resulting from moisture content changes, particularly during construction in the coastal climates. Failures of STS have been reported by structural engineers and contractors of several mass timber projects in NA. This has greatly increased the liability of practitioners involved in mass timber construction.
This project will investigate the material properties of several types of mass timber products and self-tapping screws. These material properties will be used in an analytical and numerical prediction model to describe the behaviour of self-tapping screws in mass timber products under moisture content variation.
This article in the Journal of Commerce highlights FPInnovations Sustainable Construction spotlight series. Experts at FPInnovations believe using wood technology could play a major role in helping Canada meet its climate goals. This article may be accessed on the Journal of Commerce's website: https://canada.constructconnect.com/joc/news/resource/2022/06/fp-innovations-pushes-wood-as-solution-to-climate-goals-affordable-housing
The full FPInnovations In the Spotlight series can be accessed at: https://web.fpinnovations.ca/in-the-spotlight-sustainable-construction/
Over the years, FPInnovations has developed a wide range of expertise in all aspects of composite panels manufacturing.
Process optimization and evaluation of adhesives are integral to our research program. As a result, our customers can benefit from our expertise and experience in these areas.
Abstract
Au fil des années, FPInnovations a su développer une expertise des plus variées en lien avec tout ce qui se rapporte à la fabrication de panneaux composites en bois. L’optimisation des procédés et l’évaluation des adhésifs font partie intégrante de notre programme de recherche. Par conséquent, nos clients peuvent bénéficier de l’expertise et de l’expérience qui y sont développées.
Over the years, FPInnovations has developed a wide range of expertise in all aspects of composite panels manufacturing.
Process optimization and evaluation of adhesives are integral to our research program. As a result, our customers can benefit from our expertise and experience in these areas.
Abstract
Au fil des années, FPInnovations a su développer une expertise des plus variées en lien avec tout ce qui se rapporte à la fabrication de panneaux composites en bois. L’optimisation des procédés et l’évaluation des adhésifs font partie intégrante de notre programme de recherche. Par conséquent, nos clients peuvent bénéficier de l’expertise et de l’expérience qui y sont développées.
Over the years, FPInnovations has developed a solid expertise in the characterization and manufacturing process of solid and engineered wood flooring. In collaboration with the industry's leading manufacturers, our team has developed test methods to evaluate the performance of various flooring products.
Abstract
Depuis plusieurs années, FPInnovations s’est forgé une solide expertise dans la caractérisation et le procédé de fabrication de lames de plancher en bois massif et d’ingénierie. En collaboration avec les manufacturiers à l’avant-garde de l’industrie, notre équipe a mis au point des méthodes d’essais permettant d’établir la performance des différents produits de lames de planchers.
Over the years, FPInnovations has developed a solid expertise in the characterization and manufacturing process of solid and engineered wood flooring. In collaboration with the industry's leading manufacturers, our team has developed test methods to evaluate the performance of various flooring products.
Abstract
Depuis plusieurs années, FPInnovations s’est forgé une solide epertise dans la caractérisation et le procédé de fabrication de lames de plancher en bois massif et d’ingénierie. En collaboration avec les manufacturiers à l’avant-garde de lindustrie, notre équipe a mis au point des méthodes d’essais permettant d’établir la performance des différents produits de lames de planchers.
Over the years, FPInnovations has developed a solid expertise in thermomechanical refining processes for fibre production and pretreatment of biomass. Our services can include fibre production, drying, gluing, chemical injection, and panel manufacturing. The versatility of our equipment and expertise allows us to establish or validate process parameters on a semi-industrial scale and, consequently, to ensure the quality of your final product.
Abstract
FPInnovations a su développer au fil des années une solide expertise en procédés de raffinage thermomécanique pour la production de fibres ou le prétraitement de la biomasse. Nos services peuvent englober la production de fibres, le séchage, l’encollage, l’injection de produits chimiques et la fabrication de panneaux. La versatilité de notre équipement et de notre expertise nous permettra d’établir ou de valider les paramètres de procédés à l’échelle semi-industrielle et, par conséquent, d’assurer la qualité de votre produit final.
Over the years, FPInnovations has developed a solid expertise in thermomechanical refining processes for fibre production and pretreatment of biomass. Our services can include fibre production, drying, gluing, chemical injection, and panel manufacturing. The versatility of our equipment and expertise allows us to establish or validate process parameters on a semi-industrial scale and, consequently, to ensure the quality of your final product.
Abstract
FPInnovations a su développer au fil des années une solide expertise en procédés de raffinage thermomécanique pour la production de fibres ou le prétraitement de la biomasse. Nos services peuvent englober la production de fibres, le séchage, l’encollage, l’injection de produits chimiques et la fabrication de panneaux. La versatilité de notre équipement et de notre expertise nous permettra d’établir ou de valider les paramètres de procédés à l’échelle semi-industrielle et, par conséquent, d’assurer la qualité de votre produit final.
The many chemical pollutants—specifically, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehydes—found in our homes is a growing concern from the general public, international organizations, and governments. These entities started tightening exposure limits through the implementation of regulations such as TSCA Title VI in the United States and its Canadian equivalent, CANFER SOR 2021-148.
Abstract
Les nombreux polluants chimiques retrouvés à l’intérieur de nos maisons, plus précisément le formaldéhyde et les composés organiques volatils (COV), représentent l’une des préoccupations
croissantes du public, des organismes internationaux et des gouvernements. Ces derniers ont entamé un resserrement des limites d’exposition en mettant en place des réglementations comme la TSCA titre VI aux États-Unis ainsi que son équivalent canadien, la norme CANFER DORS 2021-148.
The many chemical pollutants—specifically, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehydes—found in our homes is a growing concern from the general public, international organizations, and governments. These entities started tightening exposure limits through the implementation of regulations such as TSCA Title VI in the United States and its Canadian equivalent, CANFER SOR 2021-148.
Abstract
Les nombreux polluants chimiques retrouvés à l’intérieur de nos maisons, plus précisément le formaldéhyde et les composés organiques volatils (COV), représentent l’une des préoccupations
croissantes du public, des organismes internationaux et des gouvernements. Ces derniers ont entamé un resserrement des limites d’exposition en mettant en place des réglementations comme la TSCA titre VI aux États-Unis ainsi que son équivalent canadien, la norme CANFER DORS 2021-148.
Due to the awareness of the importance of reducing environmental footprint and the rising costs of construction, timber structures have been increasingly attracting attention and, subsequently, adoption for being built taller and larger. Computer modelling plays a crucial role in the analysis and design of large and tall timber structures, and in the development of wood-based products, connections, and systems. A survey by FPInnovations showed that practising engineers are typically unfamiliar with timber structure modelling, and researchers generally lack resources for advanced modelling of timber systems. Therefore, in 2020, FPInnovations initiated a project to develop a guide that would support the application of numerical modelling on the analysis and design of timber structures, and the development and optimisation of wood-based products and systems. The Modelling Guide for Timber Structures is the result of a global effort involving over 100 coilaborators, including experts from research institutes, consulting firms, manufacturers, software companies, governmententities, and associations.
This guide brings together the experience gained from recently built timber projects, and the latest research development in the modelling of timber structures. It includes a wide range of practical and and advanced modelling topics, such as key modelling principles, methods, and techniques specific to timber structures; modelling approaches and considerations for wood-based components, connections, and assemblies; and analytical pproaches and considerations for timber structures during progressive collapse, wind, and earthquake events. It also presents the differences in the modelling approaches to timber, steel, and concrete structures.
The information presented in this guide is intended to assist practising engineers to apply computer modelling to timber structures, enrich researchers' resourcesfor advanced computer modelling of timber systems, and assist software companies in identifying knowledge gaps so that they may upgrade programs accordingly to accommodate he advanced computer modellingof timber structures.
