Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Franca, Tamara

Committee Member

Seale, R. Dan

Committee Member

Franca, Frederico J.

Committee Member

Arango, Rachel

Date of Degree

12-8-2023

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Sustainable Bioproducts

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Sustainable Bioproducts

Abstract

Softwood is more in demand than hardwood because it is used primarily in the US's largest wood-consuming industry, construction, resulting in increased importation of softwood annually to meet this demand. Hardwood, used for non-structural purposes like furniture and interior designs, is more abundant in US forests. However, some hardwood species are underutilized and undervalued. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) has increased the demand for softwood.

A study evaluated the mechanical and physical properties of three underutilized hardwood species (321 yellow poplar, 393 sweetgum, and 262 red oak specimens) for CLT industrial mat manufacturing. The results showed that red oak had a higher density than southern yellow pine, and all species had an average modulus of elasticity greater than the CLT lumber requirement. The study confirmed the viability of these underutilized hardwoods for CLT fabrication, suggesting they could be a suitable substitute for softwood in CLT manufacturing.

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