Technical Assessment of Grades and Standards of Structural Timbers

The quality and potential end use of logs has significant influence on their value. In addition to monetary values, log grade can also determine whether logs are accounted for cut control purposes and grading is a key component in marketing finished products such as lumber, plywood and shingles.This book examined the grades and standards of commercial lumber used for structural works and evaluates the technical compliance of the available timbers to existing grading rules. Although there were variation in grades and volume of timber species available in the plank markets and the criteria for grading structural timber was confirmed not to be very correct. Yet, there is need to achieve the best value and quality of sawnwood especially for structural works. The book therefore provides information that can fill this important vacuum in timber industries.