Your search resulted in 149 documents. Displaying 25 entries per page.
Performance of bio-based building materials – durability and moisture dynamics
2020 - IRG/WP 20-20666
When exposed to conditions favourable for decay, bio-based building materials can be susceptible to degradation. Their ability to withstand deterioration over time (performance) depends on the intrinsic or enhanced durability of the material as well as its wetting and drying behaviour. The effect of fungicidal components in wood is known since long. Other material characteristics, such as the mate...
L De Ligne, J Caes, S Omar, J Van den Bulcke, J M Baetens, B De Baets, J Van Acker
Modelling decay rates of timber exposed above ground on four different continents
2020 - IRG/WP 20-20670
Durability performance data from an international decking trial were analysed to explore relationships with climate variables, particularly those related to temperature and rainfall. Matched decking samples of slash pine (Pinus elliottii) sapwood and heartwood, spotted gum (Corymbia citriodora), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine sapwood (Pinus sylvestris) were exposed to the weather above...
L P Francis, J J Morrell, C Brischke, P B Van Niekerk, J Norton
Assessing the risk of marine borer attack of the timber trestles and decay of timber above the intertidal zone of the Barmouth Viaduct
2021 - IRG/WP 21-10974
The Barmouth Viaduct is a Grade II* listed structure which carries the single track of the Dovey Junction to Pwllheli line and footway over the Mawddach estuary. It is in a marine environment where timber below the high tide mark is at most risk in Use Class 5 and all timber above in Use Class 3.2, permanently exposed to the risk of wetting. The structure consists of a timber trestle viaduct of ...
J R Williams
Occurrence of synanthropic beetles (Coleoptera Ptinidae) and checkered beetles (Coleoptera Cleridae) in relation to climatic factors in historical buildings from North-Eastern Germany
2021 - IRG/WP 21-10980
Predatory checkered beetles occur in many historical buildings. Thus, it is essential to learn more about the ecology of these beetles, specifically for their further use as suitable beneficial organisms in biological control of wood-destroying insects. In this study, indoor climatic conditions were examined as a major factor influencing their occurrence and that of their prey Anobium punctatum an...
C Baar, C von Laar, M Willert, H Bombeck
Studies on the material resistance and moisture dynamics of Douglas fir and Sitka spruce from Slovenia
2021 - IRG/WP 21-20677
Wood in outdoor applications is subject to various decomposition factors. Wood degradation can be prevented by construction details, biocide protection of wood, wood modification, or selection of naturally durable wood species. Unfortunately, the majority of timber species in Europe do not have naturally durable wood. Imported tree species represent a new pool from which we can draw wood species w...
M Humar, B Lesar, D Krzisnik, E Kerzic, R Brus
Dynamics of fungi colonization on the surface of Scots pine wood during natural weathering in different European climate zones
2022 - IRG/WP 22-10984
Wood The presence of fungi leads to biomaterial decay and/or changes in aesthetical appeal. The start of fungi colonization as well as the following growth on wood are primarily influenced by four factors: ambient temperature, moisture history of the object, access to oxygen, and intrinsic properties of the exposed wood, considered here as a source of nutrients for microorganisms. A prevalence of ...
F Poohphajai, O Myronycheva, O Karlsson, L Rautkari, J Sandak, A Sandak
Introduction to the project ‘Deterioration and decay of wooden cultural heritage in Arctic and Alpine environments’ (ArcticAlpineDecay)
2022 - IRG/WP 22-10997
The Arctic is already affected by climate change, and this is expected to accelerate over the coming decades. Alpine regions in Norway are projected to face similar challenges. Current knowledge on Norwegian wooden cultural heritage in Arctic and Alpine regions is scattered and contains significant knowledge gaps. Historically, - scientists, sectorial governance, tourist trade and commerce have ma...
G Alfredsen, L Ross, A W Hegnes, M S Austigard, J Mattsson, N B Pedersen, A Sinitsyn, V V Martens, A-C Flyen
Application of an Ultrasound-based Instrument to Evaluate Condition of Drywood Termite Infested Timber Components
2022 - IRG/WP 22-11000
The characteristics of ultrasound waves propagation from non-destructive ultrasound-based instrument on drywood termite infested wooden components were investigated. Features of wave propagation such as time-of-flight, velocity, and peak energy on three orthogonal wooden plane (longitudinal, radial, and transversal) were studied. The wooden components used on this study came from a traditional woo...
S Fauziyyah, L Karlinasari, D Nandika, R Wimmer
The influence of climate changes on Central European forests with an emphasis on Slovenia
2022 - IRG/WP 22-50368
When forests are managed sustainably, they play an essential role in protecting climate and biodiversity. They protect soils and water resources, provide livelihoods, and contribute to the well-being of rural and urban communities. European forests are multifunctional and provide a range of ecosystem services. These include the production of renewable materials that can replace materials with a la...
J Gričar, L Krajnc, M Westergren, S Rus, H Kraigher
Evaluation of different wood by-products for sustainable building biomaterial production using fungal mycelium
2022 - IRG/WP 22-50373
As human population increases, the demand for new innovative, sustainable, and low impact construction materials also grows. Mycelium-based composites have shown to be an excellent alternative for traditional products ranging from low-density objects to semi-structural applications. They also present the advantage of using the waste streams from other productive processes as feedstock, enabling th...
C Charpentier-Alfaro, M Poggerini, S Palanti, G Della Rocca, D Pellegrini, A Crisci
Assessment of the Material Durability and Structural Integrity of the Wooden Velodrome in Češča vas, Slovenia
2023 - IRG/WP 23-11012
Wood is a widely used material in the construction industry, and it has been utilized for thousands of years to create buildings and other structures. When wooden structures are designed, built, and maintained properly, they can be safe and long-lasting. Sports facilities, which provide athletes with a space to train, compete, and improve their abilities, are crucial in creating a strong and susta...
D Kržišnik, M Humar, B Lesar
Investigating the fire properties of a composite material made of MDF-residues, citric acid and sorbitol
2023 - IRG/WP 23-40969
In times of climate change and a shortage of energy and raw materials, it has become apparent, that material reuse of wood in a cascade system can reduce the ecological impact of a material and be cost effective. A new composite material has been developed made from citric acid, sorbitol, water and waste MDF. Not only will there be a material reuse option for waste MDF but due to the small particl...
P T Lewandowski, W Perdoch, E Larnoy, H Militz
A mini review on climate change impact on bio-ecology of subterranean termites
2023 - IRG/WP 23-50375
Climate change is creating possibilities of changes in the bio-ecology of termites across the globe. This change will be felt differently in different regions. While changes in swarming times will be common in the Northern hemisphere, the tropic will encounter more life-history related changes. But termites posing newer threats induced by climate change will be mostly dependent on human activitie...
P Dhang
Adaptability of Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) in a northern climate
2024 - IRG/WP 24-11048
Populations of the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), are widely distributed across North America and have been introduced into various parts of Europe. Although colonies of this species are most abundant in the warmer, southern regions, populations have been found to persist in more northern climates where they must contend with frozen soil at least part of the year. ...
R A Arango, K M Ohno, A B Bishell, G T Kirker
Developing thermal-energy storage systems based on Kraft lignin-glyoxal and organic phase-change material modified wood
2024 - IRG/WP 24-30810
This study investigated the use of modified wood as a thermal-energy storage material through the integration of paraffin-based phase-change materials (PCMs). The objective was to evaluate the influence of Kraft lignin-glyoxal prepolymer on the properties of wood modified with PCMs. The implementation of the modified wood involved preparing PCM emulsions, synthesizing lignin-glyoxal prepolymer, an...
C-F Lin, O Karlsson, D Jones, D Sandberg
Changes in decay risk of wood in ground contact over Europe, from analysis of historic climate conditions
2024 - IRG/WP 24-41008
Changing climate conditions will affect global temperature and precipitation patterns, shifting some geographical areas into states that are more suitable for fungal wood decay. Climate normals, which are taken over a 30-year period, capture vast spatial and temporal variations in these conditions and comparing these can show changes over time. Importantly, being able to identify locations that ha...
P B van Niekerk, B N Marais, G Alfredsen, C Brischke
Phytosanitary treatment of roundwood for oversea shipping - on the suitability of dry heat treatment as alternative to climate-change effective fumigation
2024 - IRG/WP 24-50394
The transcontinental trade of roundwood requires thorough phytosanitary treatment to protect native flora and fauna against foreign pests. This is generally done by fumigating shipping containers packed with roundwood with sulfuryl fluoride, a potent greenhouse gas. After treatment, the gas is released into the atmosphere, causing massive emissions. Since 2017, the usage of sulfuryl fluoride in th...
G Weber, L Schrader, J Trautner
Xerophilic mould fungi on new and historic wood
2025 - IRG/WP 25-11056
An examination of mould fungi in 35 medieval and ten 18th Century buildings shows mould growth to varying degrees on different surfaces. The analyses also show a rapid development of mould fungi on certain wooden surfaces in recent years.
A significant difference in the growth between new and old wood is the clearly more extensive growth and different species composition of mould fungi on new wo...
J Mattsson, M S Austigard
Evaluation of decay detection drill data – a semi-quantitative approach
2025 - IRG/WP 25-11067
Decay detection drilling and pick testing are common methods for evaluating decay in structural timber. In this study 63 poles in snow fence trusses at Finse in Norway, where climate change is expected to increase decay hazard, were evaluated by both drilling and pick testing. The aim of this study was to 1: assess a novel method to translate qualitative evaluation of drilling data into quantitati...
M S Austigard, J Mattsson, G Alfredsen, L Ross, N Bjerregaard Pedersen
Moisture uptake in CLT during the construction phase: real construction conditions versus specimens exposed to environment
2025 - IRG/WP 25-41019
The rapid growth in the use of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) in construction highlights the need to address durability concerns, particularly in regions with less experience in Mass Timber Construction and favourable climatic conditions for the biological degradation of wood, such as Mediterranean countries. A lack of awareness and deficient construction management can negatively impact the public ...
D Lima, S Duarte, J M Branco, L Nunes (†)
Biocomposites based on fungal mycelium and beech particles impregnated with BPCM (bio-phase change material) for thermal energy storage
2025 - IRG/WP 25-41034
The building sector is a major contributor to Europe's carbon emissions, and transition to a bio-based economy is essential for achieving long-term sustainability goals. The European Union has set ambitious targets for climate-neutral heating and cooling by 2050, which requires the widespread adoption of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. A key element in this transition i...
E Nigrone, F De Francesco, J Conti, M Jebrane, M Nazari, N Terziev, S Palanti
Colorimetric performance of temperate wood species under tropical weathering
2025 - IRG/WP 25-41041
The appearance of wood, including its color and texture, is one of the most important features for its application as solid products, such as furniture, cladding, and terrace decking. Weathering can cause significant changes in the color of wooden products in outdoor applications, influencing their market acceptance and long-term performance. This study evaluated the colorimetric performance of fo...
K da Silva Pereira, S J da Costa Lima, M F C Santos, L Emmerich, C Brischke, D C Batista
Wood Protection in the Tropics: A Necessity in the Face of Climate Change and Rising Demand for Wood Products Consumption
2025 - IRG/WP 25-50413
With the rising demand for forest products due to population growth and continuous expansion of tropical countries’ economies. Therefore, the need for judicious use of forest products in the advent of climate change to meet the needs of the people cannot be downplayed but serve as a clarion call to conserve and improve the use of forest products for longer services. My talk will highlight the st...
M Nurudeen Iddrisu
Addressing Climate Challenges through the Valorisation of Calamity Wood in the Alps-Adriatic Region
2025 - IRG/WP 25-50416
The WoodInnovate project addresses pressing challenges facing the forest-wood value chain in the Alps-Adriatic region, which are intensifying due to climate change. Rising temperatures and frequent natural disasters are degrading wood quality and increasing pest outbreaks, particularly from bark beetles. These environmental shifts jeopardize forest ecosystems, reduce the economic viability of timb...
M Humar, E Keržič, B Lesar, J Gričar, B Likar, E Beltramini, S Silvestri