quick find

current research

Current Research Overview

completed research

future research

Current Research Overview

FWPA’s active projects are listed here, providing information on the objectives of the project and the project manager.

Our research projects cover a broad range of topics across the industry sectors and so to assist you in finding what you are interested in, we have sorted them into 5 topics as detailed below.

For details on research that has been completed see the Completed Research Report Overview.

For details on upcoming research opportunities, see the Research Opportunities page.

Reports are archived in PDF and require Adobe® Reader to view and print them. Click on the Adobe image to download the latest version of this free software. All PDFs have been formatted for version 6+.

GROWING
PROCESSING
PRODUCTS
THE ENVIRONMENT
THE INDUSTRY & MARKETS

Growing

Use of genotypic information for Pinus radiata improvement (Adrian Hathorn)
To determine whether our choice of genetic assumptions can affect the accuracy with which polygenic effects are estimated and, to what extent we can further improve our accuracy by varying our statistical methodology.
University of New England • PGD080-0708 • Commenced: 18 August 2006
top
Investigation of the causes of natural durability in Australian hardwoods: Applicable to quality control and tree breeding to support the development of plantations for high-value solid wood products (Lesley Francis)
University of Queensland • PGD104-0809 • Commenced: 2 July 2008
top
Variable Retention Silviculture: A comparison of biodiversity research and management practices between Tasmania, Australia and the Pacific Northwest (WFI awardee: Susan Baker)
To improve biodiversity outcomes from aggregated retention silviculture by better understanding factors that influence different plant and animal groups.
World Forest Institute • PGD167-0910 • Commenced: 11 January 2010
top
Managing gene flow from Eucalyptus globolus plantations (Matthew Larcombe)
University of Tasmania • PGD183-0910 • Commenced: 29 June 2010
top
Development of technical educational resources and support of Continuing Professional Development, tertiary and trade level education and training to support and educate existing and future users/specifiers of timber products(TRP)
To develop and introduce timber educational resources that will be used to educate practising professionals within the fields of architecture, engineering and building regarding timber and wood based products.
TPC Solutions Pty Ltd • PNA024-0809 • Commenced: 4 March 2008
top
Impact of internal chekcing on the log and timber value of fire salvage ash type sawlogs
To study the relationships between fire intensity, tree moisture profiles and timber slab moisture loss during various air drying treatments, with the timing, location and severity of internal checks, and their impact on timber product value, for logs from bushfire salvage coupes, compared with logs from unburnt coupes.
VicForests • PNB182-0910 • Commenced: 28 June 2010
top
Managing subtropical pines for improved wood production based on a better understanding of genetics, silviculture, environment and their interactions
To explore ways of increasing plantation profitability while maintaining or enhancing future volume production and wood quality.
Forestry Plantations Queensland Pty Ltd • PNC057-0809 • Commenced: 10 June 2008
top
Introduction of the wasp, Diaeretus essigellae, for the biocontrol of pine aphid in Australia
To establish the parasitoid, D. essigellae, in Australia as a biological control agent for pine aphid and measure its impact.
South Australian Research & Development Institute • PNC063-0607 • Commenced: 21 October 2005
top
CRC for Forestry participant contribution
Improve the profitability, environmental performance and community understanding of hardwood plantation industry.
CRC Forestry Limited • PNC065-0607 • Commenced: 30 September 2005
top
Active Genetic Conservation and Utilization of Native Radiata Pine Germplasm for Increasing Genetic Gain of Growth, Form and Wood Quality, and Risk Traits
The commercial objective of the project is to increase total value (or profit) of radiata pine in 3 ways: 1) infuse alleles for increasing total wood mass per hectare; 2)infuse alleles for increasing wood quality; 3)conserve rare alleles for combating diseases and pests, in conjunction with enhanced risk management.
CSIRO • PNC135-0809 • Commenced: 1 June 2009
top
Contribution of CAR reserves to mature forest biodiversity in production forest landscapes
Quantify the contribution of CAR reserves to the provision of viable mature forest habitat in production forest landscapes across the continuum of forest management intensity
Forestry Tasmania • PNC142-0809 • Commenced: 2 June 2009
top
An audit of forest biosecurity arrangements and preparedness in Australia
Undertake a comprehensive audit and gap analysis of Australia's current arrangements to respond to a forest biosecurity threat in the commercial sector, and recommend actions to address identified weaknesses in forest biosecurity.
University of Tasmania • PNC159-0910 • Commenced: 1 October 2009
top
The Forest Productivity Optimisation System - A decision support tool for enhancing the management of planted forests in southern Australia under changing climate
To deliver a decision support tool that will allow plantation managers on the key forestry estates in southern Australia, including the existing regions where P.radiata, E. Nitens, E. globulus, E. smithii, and P. pinaster)stocking and thinning regime, and fertilizer application. Users of the system will be able to explore the profitability of a range of product types, including pulpwood, peeler logs and sawn timber. The system will deliver current knowledge to users but allow for incorporation of new knowledge as it is developed in the future.
CRC Forestry Limited • PNC168-0910 • Commenced: 15 April 2010
top
Forest industry cooperative pesticide research, chemical registration, industry and community education and chemical use and application regulation advice consortium
To maintain and increase the productive capacity of the Australian Forest Industry by ensuring the continued availability of effective, environmentally and socially acceptable chemical control options for weeds, pests and diseases by coordinating the forestry specific pesticide research effort. Developing and promoting industry best practice and providing considered scientific advice to the public, regulators, legislators and industry.
Australian Plantation Products & Paper Industry Co • PNC176-0910 • Commenced: 15 April 2010
top
Parameters for describing sustainable landscape carbon stocks and for integrating the impact of forest and timber utilisation into overall carbon dynamics
CRC Forestry Limited • PRC162-0910 • Commenced: 15 December 2009
top
Review of the science of public native forest management for sustainable timber production in Victoria
To update and publish online the report entitled 'A review of the Science of Public Native Forest Management for Sustainable Timber Production in Victoria'.
Forsci Pty Ltd • PRC174-0910 • Commenced: 1 May 2010
top
Rapid screening of commercial forestry species to Uredo rangelii (myrtle rust) and distinguishing U. rangelii from Puccinia psidii (guava rust)
Industry & Investment NSW • PRC179-0910 • Commenced: 18 June 2010
top

Processing

The importance of environmental factors in microwave induced permeability of timber (Leigh Aitken)
Study the effects of different environmental factors in the microwave induced permeability of timber with a view of applying the know how to timber drying, timber quality improvement and timber processing. A quantitative investigation is undertaken concerning both the permeability and the strength of timber at the thin laminar level.
University of Melbourne (Forestry) • PGD077-0506 • Commenced: 21 June 2005
top
Optimising resin consumption, pressing time and density of particleboard made of hardwood sawmill residues by exploring use of alternative resins and mixes of softwood and hardwood (Kee Kong Wong)
RMIT • PGD132-0809 • Commenced: 1 June 2009
top
Pine timber roof environments in Western Australia and its susceptibility to European House Borer
To test if European House Borer beetles can initiate and sustain infestations in untreated pine framing in roof spaces under Perth climatic conditions.
Dept of Agriculture and Food WA • PNA023-0809 • Commenced: 3 March 2008
top
Development of technical educational resources and support of Continuing Professional Development, tertiary and trade level education and training to support and educate existing and future users/specifiers of timber products(TRP)
To develop and introduce timber educational resources that will be used to educate practising professionals within the fields of architecture, engineering and building regarding timber and wood based products.
TPC Solutions Pty Ltd • PNA024-0809 • Commenced: 4 March 2008
top
Development of an embodied CO2 emissions module for AccuRate
To develop an embodied CO2 estimate module for integration into the current 2nd Generation National House Energy Assessment tool- AccuRate, that calculates operational energy for heating and cooling.
CSIRO • PNA161-0910 • Commenced: 9 November 2009
top
Determining optimised H3 LOSP treatment options for decay protection in softwood glulam
To compare the resistance to decay of LOSP (TBTN) treated glulam, treated before or after gluing, and at two different preservative retentions. To examine the value of flood brushing ends cut after treatment. To calibrate decay rates between the field (wet tropics) and a test facility called the Accelerated Field Simulator (AFS). To include a comparison with azole LOSP.
CSIRO Materials Science & Engineering • PNB038-0708 • Commenced: 25 July 2006
top
Schedule development, predictive modeling and economic viability assessment of vacuum drying Australian commercial hardwoods for potential industry investment
To establish the viability of vacuum drying four high commercial volume Australian hardwood species in terms of drying quality, time and cost. From the wood and drying properties measured from drying trials, an industry applicable predictive superheated steam vacuum drying model using fundamental principles combined with modelling software will be developed. The model will predict drying schedules an ddrying time dependent on the sensitivity of intrinsic wood properties and drying characteristics.
Queensland Department of Primary Industries • PNB045-0809 • Commenced: 16 July 2007
top
Investigation of NDE technologies for improved drying quality to optimise kiln drying schedules, reduce drying degrade and accelerate kiln throughput in the hardwood sawmilling industry
To identify whether the simple wood properties of density or extractives content affect the relative rates of drying of Shining gum and Jarrah (and optionally Blackbutt and Mountain ash) lumber and 2) trial two technologies (acoustics and NIR) to test their ability to segregate green lumber prior to drying in order to segregate individual boards into "fast" or "slow" drying batches.
CSIRO Materials Science & Engineering • PNB126-0809 • Commenced: 30 April 2009
top
The Aus/NZ Solid Wood Initiative: Better performing structural products manufactured with higher efficiency and using less energy and water
To support and carry out research to develop wood quality assessment and lumber segregation technology.
WQI Ltd • PNB131-0809 • Commenced: 1 April 2009
top
The potential to recover higher value veneer products from Fibre Managed Plantation Eucalyptus and broaden product and market opportunities for this resource
To define the likely plywood/LVL quality obtained from the E nitens and E. globulus grown in Tasmania; identify the genetic parameters that affect quality of rotary-peeled veneer, plywood and LVL, and develop niche markets for the resultant products.
University of Tasmania • PNB139-0809 • Commenced: 19 May 2009
top
Improving the durability of low durability plantation hardwoods for use as power poles
To be able to reduce the impact of the shortfall in supply of pole sized material for maintenance and expansion of electricity networks through the use of low durability hardwoods grown in plantation.
Queensland Department of Primary Industries • PNB146-0809 • Commenced: 11 June 2009
top
Glulam design based on lamination grades and the use of mill shorts
1. To investigate the relationship between shook length and tension strength for a range of species at the upper end of th density range in each case. Adhesive type will not be considered to be a variable; 2. To determine if the coefficient of variaiton of the laminaiton strengths can be introduced into the shook length formula so that good finger operations are rewarded and poor are penalized; 3. To develop design methodology that allows glulam bending strengths determined using individual finger joint tension.
Monash University • PNB157-0910 • Commenced: 1 September 2009
top
Impact of internal chekcing on the log and timber value of fire salvage ash type sawlogs
To study the relationships between fire intensity, tree moisture profiles and timber slab moisture loss during various air drying treatments, with the timing, location and severity of internal checks, and their impact on timber product value, for logs from bushfire salvage coupes, compared with logs from unburnt coupes.
VicForests • PNB182-0910 • Commenced: 28 June 2010
top
Revaluation of structural properties of machine stress graded plywoods
To confirm plywood grade stresses assigned to existing plywood F grades or if not, to recommend a new and more suitable set of plywood grade stresses.
SCION • PNB194-1011 • Commenced: 30 August 2010
top
Enhancing the knowledge base in key areas of timber production and use
University of Tasmania • PND184-0910 • Commenced: 30 June 2010
top
FWPA support for Plantation Hardwood Research project 'High value timber composite panels from hardwood plantation thinnings'
To significantly improve the economics of hardwood plantation in Queensland and thus to encourage the establishment of more plantation, managed for higher value production.
Dept of Primary Industries - Qld LD • PRB145-0809 • Commenced: 9 June 2009
top

Products

The importance of environmental factors in microwave induced permeability of timber (Leigh Aitken)
Study the effects of different environmental factors in the microwave induced permeability of timber with a view of applying the know how to timber drying, timber quality improvement and timber processing. A quantitative investigation is undertaken concerning both the permeability and the strength of timber at the thin laminar level.
University of Melbourne (Forestry) • PGD077-0506 • Commenced: 21 June 2005
top
Postgraduate research into the environmental, economic and other costs incurred by increasing the thermal performance (star rating) of the domestic construction in Australia, particularly on light-weight timber construction (Phil McLeod)
To investigate the comparative environmental impact of three houses being built for the Best 5 star houses project during their construction phase and the first two years of operation. Results will inform understanding of the environmental impacts of timber construction in this part of the life cycle and support development of design-based solutions to minimise those impacts.
University of Tasmania • PGD088-0708 • Commenced: 27 June 2007
top
Investigation of sawmilling by-products as feed stocks for the furafuel process (Levi George Reid)
1) To identify the quantities of hardwood and softwood sawmilling by-products amenable for processing in pre-treatments to produce liquid feedstocks for fuels and chemicals including a Biofine Process; 2) To determine the cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and inorganic content and composition of a selection of appropriate sawmilling wastes. 3) To explore process conditions, product yields and product quality resulting from the thermochemical treatment of selected sawmilling waste streams.
Monash University • PGD096-0809 • Commenced: 14 April 2008
top
Optimising Timber Use in Residential Building to Reduce Environmental Impact: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach (Hamidul Islam)
1. To analyse in detail timber's environmental performance compared with alternative construction system for domestic and light commercial buildings; 2. To appraise the performances of timber based construciton system through LCA tools; and 3. To provide leading design paramaters and design based solutions to minimise overall environmental impacts of domestic and light commercial construction systems.
RMIT • PGD103-0809 • Commenced: 20 June 2008
top
Investigation of the causes of natural durability in Australian hardwoods: Applicable to quality control and tree breeding to support the development of plantations for high-value solid wood products (Lesley Francis)
University of Queensland • PGD104-0809 • Commenced: 2 July 2008
top
Optimising resin consumption, pressing time and density of particleboard made of hardwood sawmill residues by exploring use of alternative resins and mixes of softwood and hardwood (Kee Kong Wong)
RMIT • PGD132-0809 • Commenced: 1 June 2009
top
Monitoring timber bridge beams for structural health (John Moore)
University of New England • PGD137-0809 • Commenced: 1 June 2009
top
Timber housing in Australia: Using value added wood products, alternative framing and structural systems, prefabrication and design from the Scandinavian timber housing industry in the Australian Context (David Bylund)
University of Western Australia • PGD148-0809 • Commenced: 1 June 2009
top
Pine timber roof environments in Western Australia and its susceptibility to European House Borer
To test if European House Borer beetles can initiate and sustain infestations in untreated pine framing in roof spaces under Perth climatic conditions.
Dept of Agriculture and Food WA • PNA023-0809 • Commenced: 3 March 2008
top
Development of technical educational resources and support of Continuing Professional Development, tertiary and trade level education and training to support and educate existing and future users/specifiers of timber products(TRP)
To develop and introduce timber educational resources that will be used to educate practising professionals within the fields of architecture, engineering and building regarding timber and wood based products.
TPC Solutions Pty Ltd • PNA024-0809 • Commenced: 4 March 2008
top
Reducing fire regulatory barriers and standards on timber and wood products
To reduce the fire regulatory and standard barriers imposed on timber and wood products used in commercial building applications and bushfire construction. The outcome of the project will be a greater acceptance of timber and wood based products in the building regulations and consequently increase the consumption of timber and wood based products.
Timber Development Association-NSW • PNA025-0809 • Commenced: 4 April 2008
top
Development of an embodied CO2 emissions module for AccuRate
To develop an embodied CO2 estimate module for integration into the current 2nd Generation National House Energy Assessment tool- AccuRate, that calculates operational energy for heating and cooling.
CSIRO • PNA161-0910 • Commenced: 9 November 2009
top
Determining optimised H3 LOSP treatment options for decay protection in softwood glulam
To compare the resistance to decay of LOSP (TBTN) treated glulam, treated before or after gluing, and at two different preservative retentions. To examine the value of flood brushing ends cut after treatment. To calibrate decay rates between the field (wet tropics) and a test facility called the Accelerated Field Simulator (AFS). To include a comparison with azole LOSP.
CSIRO Materials Science & Engineering • PNB038-0708 • Commenced: 25 July 2006
top
Investigation of NDE technologies for improved drying quality to optimise kiln drying schedules, reduce drying degrade and accelerate kiln throughput in the hardwood sawmilling industry
To identify whether the simple wood properties of density or extractives content affect the relative rates of drying of Shining gum and Jarrah (and optionally Blackbutt and Mountain ash) lumber and 2) trial two technologies (acoustics and NIR) to test their ability to segregate green lumber prior to drying in order to segregate individual boards into "fast" or "slow" drying batches.
CSIRO Materials Science & Engineering • PNB126-0809 • Commenced: 30 April 2009
top
The Aus/NZ Solid Wood Initiative: Better performing structural products manufactured with higher efficiency and using less energy and water
To support and carry out research to develop wood quality assessment and lumber segregation technology.
WQI Ltd • PNB131-0809 • Commenced: 1 April 2009
top
The potential to recover higher value veneer products from Fibre Managed Plantation Eucalyptus and broaden product and market opportunities for this resource
To define the likely plywood/LVL quality obtained from the E nitens and E. globulus grown in Tasmania; identify the genetic parameters that affect quality of rotary-peeled veneer, plywood and LVL, and develop niche markets for the resultant products.
University of Tasmania • PNB139-0809 • Commenced: 19 May 2009
top
Improving the durability of low durability plantation hardwoods for use as power poles
To be able to reduce the impact of the shortfall in supply of pole sized material for maintenance and expansion of electricity networks through the use of low durability hardwoods grown in plantation.
Queensland Department of Primary Industries • PNB146-0809 • Commenced: 11 June 2009
top
Glulam design based on lamination grades and the use of mill shorts
1. To investigate the relationship between shook length and tension strength for a range of species at the upper end of th density range in each case. Adhesive type will not be considered to be a variable; 2. To determine if the coefficient of variaiton of the laminaiton strengths can be introduced into the shook length formula so that good finger operations are rewarded and poor are penalized; 3. To develop design methodology that allows glulam bending strengths determined using individual finger joint tension.
Monash University • PNB157-0910 • Commenced: 1 September 2009
top
NIR assessment of resin quality for composite panel production
1)Determine the ability of a real-time, NIR instrument to detect differences in UF(m) resin quality parameters which affect performance of panels, to a sufficient degree of accuracy to allow detection of potential issues and enable corrective action; 2)Assess the capability of the technology developed above to be applied at-line in a mill situation to monitor mUF resin quality; 3)If above are successful, scope the development of a trial instrument/calibration combination able to be installed at an MDF mill as a pilot; 4)Determine the feasibility of applying NIR monitoring of mUF resin quality at both despatch and receipt at mill to benchmark resin manufacture.
CSIRO • PNB169-0910 • Commenced: 24 February 2010
top
Impact of internal chekcing on the log and timber value of fire salvage ash type sawlogs
To study the relationships between fire intensity, tree moisture profiles and timber slab moisture loss during various air drying treatments, with the timing, location and severity of internal checks, and their impact on timber product value, for logs from bushfire salvage coupes, compared with logs from unburnt coupes.
VicForests • PNB182-0910 • Commenced: 28 June 2010
top
Revaluation of structural properties of machine stress graded plywoods
To confirm plywood grade stresses assigned to existing plywood F grades or if not, to recommend a new and more suitable set of plywood grade stresses.
SCION • PNB194-1011 • Commenced: 30 August 2010
top
Enhancing the knowledge base in key areas of timber production and use
University of Tasmania • PND184-0910 • Commenced: 30 June 2010
top
The development and implementation of innovative and sustainable structural timber building technologies (STIC)
To provide FWPA access to research and development programmes and related services of STIC and to obtain licences of intellectual property developed as a result of those programmes and services.
Structural Timber Innovation Company Ltd • PRA028-0809 • Commenced: 3 July 2008
top
Public release of RMIT LCA Study and Timber LCI databse
To produce documentation that will effectively communicate key findings of the RMIT LCA study to industry and to determine under what condition practitioners and industry may use the Timber LCI database.
Timber Development Association (NSW) Ltd • PRA193-1011 • Commenced: 27 August 2010
top

The Environment

Environment description
Postgraduate research into the environmental, economic and other costs incurred by increasing the thermal performance (star rating) of the domestic construction in Australia, particularly on light-weight timber construction (Phil McLeod)
To investigate the comparative environmental impact of three houses being built for the Best 5 star houses project during their construction phase and the first two years of operation. Results will inform understanding of the environmental impacts of timber construction in this part of the life cycle and support development of design-based solutions to minimise those impacts.
University of Tasmania • PGD088-0708 • Commenced: 27 June 2007
top
Researching the social impacts of reduced native forest timber access, in order to aid the development of policy and packages designed to assist industry adaptation( Edwina Loxton)
Analysing and documenting the socio-economic impacts of forest closures on forest workers, their families and their communities, and identifying effectiveness of strategies used for mitigating these impacts.
Australian National University • PGD102-0809 • Commenced: 20 June 2008
top
Optimising Timber Use in Residential Building to Reduce Environmental Impact: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach (Hamidul Islam)
1. To analyse in detail timber's environmental performance compared with alternative construction system for domestic and light commercial buildings; 2. To appraise the performances of timber based construciton system through LCA tools; and 3. To provide leading design paramaters and design based solutions to minimise overall environmental impacts of domestic and light commercial construction systems.
RMIT • PGD103-0809 • Commenced: 20 June 2008
top
Reducing fire regulatory barriers and standards on timber and wood products
To reduce the fire regulatory and standard barriers imposed on timber and wood products used in commercial building applications and bushfire construction. The outcome of the project will be a greater acceptance of timber and wood based products in the building regulations and consequently increase the consumption of timber and wood based products.
Timber Development Association-NSW • PNA025-0809 • Commenced: 4 April 2008
top
Development of an embodied CO2 emissions module for AccuRate
To develop an embodied CO2 estimate module for integration into the current 2nd Generation National House Energy Assessment tool- AccuRate, that calculates operational energy for heating and cooling.
CSIRO • PNA161-0910 • Commenced: 9 November 2009
top
Accelerated H3 decay testing for the faster evaluation of alternative preservative timber treatments
To develop and compare a range of H3 decay test methods likely to cause accelerated decay, and therefore greatly reduce or even halve the test period required in the assessment of new wood protection systems.
CSIRO • PNB041-0708 • Commenced: 1 February 2007
top
Impact of internal chekcing on the log and timber value of fire salvage ash type sawlogs
To study the relationships between fire intensity, tree moisture profiles and timber slab moisture loss during various air drying treatments, with the timing, location and severity of internal checks, and their impact on timber product value, for logs from bushfire salvage coupes, compared with logs from unburnt coupes.
VicForests • PNB182-0910 • Commenced: 28 June 2010
top
Contribution of CAR reserves to mature forest biodiversity in production forest landscapes
Quantify the contribution of CAR reserves to the provision of viable mature forest habitat in production forest landscapes across the continuum of forest management intensity
Forestry Tasmania • PNC142-0809 • Commenced: 2 June 2009
top
The Forest Productivity Optimisation System - A decision support tool for enhancing the management of planted forests in southern Australia under changing climate
To deliver a decision support tool that will allow plantation managers on the key forestry estates in southern Australia, including the existing regions where P.radiata, E. Nitens, E. globulus, E. smithii, and P. pinaster)stocking and thinning regime, and fertilizer application. Users of the system will be able to explore the profitability of a range of product types, including pulpwood, peeler logs and sawn timber. The system will deliver current knowledge to users but allow for incorporation of new knowledge as it is developed in the future.
CRC Forestry Limited • PNC168-0910 • Commenced: 15 April 2010
top
Public release of RMIT LCA Study and Timber LCI databse
To produce documentation that will effectively communicate key findings of the RMIT LCA study to industry and to determine under what condition practitioners and industry may use the Timber LCI database.
Timber Development Association (NSW) Ltd • PRA193-1011 • Commenced: 27 August 2010
top
Carbon storage in paper and composite wood products in landfills
Financial support to the Forest Industries Climate Change Research Fund to address major knowledge gaps about the impact of climate change on forestry and forest industries in Australia.
Industry & Investment NSW • PRB180-0910 • Commenced: 23 June 2010
top
Methods to accurately assess water allocation impacts of plantations
To provide financial support to CSIRO to enable it to complete the project.
CSIRO Water for a Healthy Country Flagship • PRC115-0809 • Commenced: 15 January 2009
top
Parameters for describing sustainable landscape carbon stocks and for integrating the impact of forest and timber utilisation into overall carbon dynamics
CRC Forestry Limited • PRC162-0910 • Commenced: 15 December 2009
top

The Industry & Markets

Industry description
Postgraduate research into the environmental, economic and other costs incurred by increasing the thermal performance (star rating) of the domestic construction in Australia, particularly on light-weight timber construction (Phil McLeod)
To investigate the comparative environmental impact of three houses being built for the Best 5 star houses project during their construction phase and the first two years of operation. Results will inform understanding of the environmental impacts of timber construction in this part of the life cycle and support development of design-based solutions to minimise those impacts.
University of Tasmania • PGD088-0708 • Commenced: 27 June 2007
top
Pine timber roof environments in Western Australia and its susceptibility to European House Borer
To test if European House Borer beetles can initiate and sustain infestations in untreated pine framing in roof spaces under Perth climatic conditions.
Dept of Agriculture and Food WA • PNA023-0809 • Commenced: 3 March 2008
top
Development of technical educational resources and support of Continuing Professional Development, tertiary and trade level education and training to support and educate existing and future users/specifiers of timber products(TRP)
To develop and introduce timber educational resources that will be used to educate practising professionals within the fields of architecture, engineering and building regarding timber and wood based products.
TPC Solutions Pty Ltd • PNA024-0809 • Commenced: 4 March 2008
top
Reducing fire regulatory barriers and standards on timber and wood products
To reduce the fire regulatory and standard barriers imposed on timber and wood products used in commercial building applications and bushfire construction. The outcome of the project will be a greater acceptance of timber and wood based products in the building regulations and consequently increase the consumption of timber and wood based products.
Timber Development Association-NSW • PNA025-0809 • Commenced: 4 April 2008
top
Determining optimised H3 LOSP treatment options for decay protection in softwood glulam
To compare the resistance to decay of LOSP (TBTN) treated glulam, treated before or after gluing, and at two different preservative retentions. To examine the value of flood brushing ends cut after treatment. To calibrate decay rates between the field (wet tropics) and a test facility called the Accelerated Field Simulator (AFS). To include a comparison with azole LOSP.
CSIRO Materials Science & Engineering • PNB038-0708 • Commenced: 25 July 2006
top
Impact of internal chekcing on the log and timber value of fire salvage ash type sawlogs
To study the relationships between fire intensity, tree moisture profiles and timber slab moisture loss during various air drying treatments, with the timing, location and severity of internal checks, and their impact on timber product value, for logs from bushfire salvage coupes, compared with logs from unburnt coupes.
VicForests • PNB182-0910 • Commenced: 28 June 2010
top
Revaluation of structural properties of machine stress graded plywoods
To confirm plywood grade stresses assigned to existing plywood F grades or if not, to recommend a new and more suitable set of plywood grade stresses.
SCION • PNB194-1011 • Commenced: 30 August 2010
top
Review and modification of FWPA project - Determination of acceptable levels of preservative treated timber reuse applications (PNA029-0809)
1.To review FWPA project report - Determination of acceptable levels of preservative treated timber reuse applications (PNA029-0809); and 2) Provision of revised report.
LJCookson Consulting • PRA187-1011 • Commenced: 9 July 2010
top
LCA study investigating the impact of construction on sloping sites
To undertake a LCA study to assess the Green House Gases caused by cut and fill excavation and associated retaining and drainage, for residential construction - a range of slopes and soil types are considered.
University of Technology Sydney • PRA188-1011 • Commenced: 2 August 2010
top
Public release of RMIT LCA Study and Timber LCI databse
To produce documentation that will effectively communicate key findings of the RMIT LCA study to industry and to determine under what condition practitioners and industry may use the Timber LCI database.
Timber Development Association (NSW) Ltd • PRA193-1011 • Commenced: 27 August 2010
top
FWPA support for Plantation Hardwood Research project 'High value timber composite panels from hardwood plantation thinnings'
To significantly improve the economics of hardwood plantation in Queensland and thus to encourage the establishment of more plantation, managed for higher value production.
Dept of Primary Industries - Qld LD • PRB145-0809 • Commenced: 9 June 2009
top