Structural Laminated Studs From Low Grade

This proposal presents a new and innovative method for converting low grade lumber to qualitystructural engineered laminated studs (lam-studs). The procedure will dramatically increase the portionof a log that can be used for structural applications requiring high quality wood material. It isestimated that an additional 20% of log material will be upgraded in structural products with thisinnovative method. The proposed method laminates and then re-saws economy grade 2"x 4" materialto produce lam-studs. In this way, flaws in the original lumber are effectively diffused through thematerial. Preliminary work shows that the resulting product is equal to or better than a similar highquality solid wood stud without flaws. The low grade lumber to be used in the proposed process isobtained from conventional sorting in sawmill operations.In the proposed work, methods will be evaluated and selected for fabricating the lam-studs from lowgrade lumber. Engineered materials will be produced at Wyoming Sawmills, and used for laboratorystrength and materials testing. Analyses will be performed to establish the viability of the product formeeting building code structural requirements. A systems analyses will be performed to establish anoptimum sawmill operating process.