QUESTION ONE

What do you understand by (i) mechanical strength grading, (ii) visual

strength grading, and (iii) Visual inspection method for structural
timber; why and how are they done?

SOLUTION:
 MECHANICAL STRESS GRADING OF STRUCTURAL
TIMBER-is a process whereby each and every board is subjected
to a known deflection and the force to do this is measured to
determine how stiff that piece is. Machine stress-grading uses a
machine to bend each piece of timber (generally about its minor
axis). The machine measures the stiffness of the piece and uses a
loose correlation between stiffness and strength to assign a stress
grade.
 VISUAL STRENGTH GRADING- is a manual process where
the number of defects is compared with the permitted limits to
determine whether the timber is accepted or rejected. In a visual
grading process, a trained grader examines each and every piece of
timber produced. It relies on the ability of a visual inspection by a
trained timber grader to visually identify any imperfections that
may reduce the structural capacity of the timber.
 VISUAL INSPECTION OF STRUCTURAL TIMBER- Is the
method of assessment of the features in timber that influence
strength such as knots, slope of grain, wane, resin pockets and
distortion. A visual inspection of each timber element within the
structure will include a detailed description of the timber species,
the geometrical characteristics as well as the type, location and
extent of the defects such as knots, fibre deviation, biological and
mechanical damages such as rots, insect attacks and fractures.
HOW MECHANICAL STRENGTH GRADING IS DONE
This type of assessment method utilises sensors or testing machines to
compare the board against the criteria laid out in the grade definition.
While it is quicker and more accurate than visual grading, we see it less
common in practice as it is more expensive, and the machines require
frequent calibration to ensure accuracy.
The machine exerts pressure and bending is induced at increments along
the timber length. The resulting deflection is then measured and
compared with the standard grade. The timber is also visually inspected
during machine grading to ensure major defects do not exist. each and
every board is subjected to a known deflection and the force to do this is
measured to determine how stiff that piece is. This is all accomplished
automatically, at high speed, and with each board being assigned a
stiffness value (MOE – Modulus of Elasticity).
Based on the least stiff section of a given board, a structural grade is
applied so it can be used in a structural load bearing application
requiring the allocated grade.
The mechanical stress grader cannot see the board it is measuring – so
the grade is not based on visual characteristics but on measured
mechanical properties, i.e., it is no longer guess work but is based on
hard and reliable evidence.

HOW VISUAL STRENGTH GRADING IS DONE

Performed by a trained assessor. This assessor visually inspects each
piece of timber as it comes off the line and assigns a grade. This is the
most common method of grading, especially when the intention of the
piece is to be used for in an appearance application (ie. interior
architecture).
 In this method the number of defects is compared with the permitted
limits to determine whether the timber is accepted or rejected. Visual
strength grading uses the grader’s experience to assess each piece of
timber according to rules that define the size, type and number of
strength-reducing characteristics allowed in each grade.
Natural strength-reducing features include knots, wane (the uneven edge
caused by a residue of bark) and the slope of the grain. Other strength-
reducing features, such as splits or shakes (the splitting of the wood
fibres along the grain) may have developed as a result of drying.
 The grader assesses each piece and stamps it with the appropriate mark.

WHY IS TIMBER GRADING IMPORTANT

Timber is an extremely variable material. Understanding what timber
grading is and the differences that each grade represents, allows you as a
specifier to set parameters on this variability. This allows you to
communicate what you desire from your timber material, creating a level
of expected consistency within this variability.  In other words, it is done
to make specifying easier, species and grades are grouped into strength
classes of similar strength for softwoods and hardwoods. In both cases,
higher numbers indicate stronger timber. The most common strength
classes for softwoods are C16 and C24.