Research Matters

TRADA firmly believes that research is a vital business process for companies looking to expand into new markets, add value to their operations and differentiate themselves from the competition.

Market development of lesser-used species (LUS) for marine and fluvial engineering

This project investigates the strength properties of five LUS - cupuiba, angelim, okan, tali and eveuss. In addition, it identifies marine borer and abrasion resistance of a range of candidate species. Lead project partners: Environment Agency, H R Wallingford, TRADA.

A report based on this research, Assessment of the durability and engineering properties of lesser known hardwood timber species for use in marine and freshwater construction - 4mb is now avaliable.

New research identifies additional species for use in marine and freshwater construction summarises the trial performance of 18 lesser-used species and recommends five species for situations where strength is critical.

The Wood Information Sheet Specifying timber species in marine and freshwater construction provides guidance for selecting species according to their resistance to decay-causing fungi, shipworm, gribble and abrasion, as well as strength considerations.

75th anniversary competition

To celebrate this important milestone, TRADA launched a £75,000 research competition to support projects proposed by members, not only for their own commercial benefit, but also to further the use of timber and wood products. Three projects, selected from a strong field to share the funding, are now well under way.

Coed Cymru for Ty Unnos (‘House in One Night’)

TRADA Technology is providing consultancy to support the development of a submission to BM TRADA Certification to obtain a European Technical Approval (ETA), following the guidelines for Timber Frame Building Kits (ETAG007). TRADA will use this as a model approval to demonstrate the process as a guide to TRADA members. Companies can seek certification for producing houses based on the ETA when it is approved.

Concrete and Timber Services to develop dowel laminated beams

A review of the calculation methods for mechanically laminated beams has been carried out, to be compared with CTS current practice. In addition, a range of CTS metal dowels are undergoing embedment testing. A scaled down beam will also be tested, to allow some calibration of the calculation model. The test should demonstrate whether the predicted deflections and failure mode are conservative.

White Design and thermal mass

This project aims to establish the thermal mass properties of monolithic timber construction for use in low CO2 emission building design. TRADA is producing a model based on an analytically exact solution of the heat equation for a simple physical situation. This model allows investigation of the dynamic performance of materials with known specific heat capacity, thermal resistance and density.

Longer-term research programme

Against the backdrop of these one-year projects, TRADA has an ongoing research programme, working with industry partners to underpin and develop markets for timber and wood products.

LaserCoat - pulsed laser-scanning patination of three-dimensional wood surfaces

The project developed a new and now patented process for adding grain and texture to MDF and other wood surfaces, using powder coatings combined with computer-controlled, focussed laser scanning. The process will add value to joinery components by enabling customised factory finishing, and maximise yields of wood-based furniture production. Project partners: FIRA, TRADA Technology, Warwick University, Exel Industrial. Sonneborn & Rieck, Norbord, Howarth Windows.

Controlled Permeability Formwork (CPF)

Aims to develop a novel composite panel of wood and other materials that is water/air permeable combined with strength properties that make it suitable for use as a CPF panel. The project plans to develop a wood-based panel that can be cut and installed in a single, conventional operation. Project partners: TRADA Technology, Concrete Society, Nottingham University, Norbord.

Timber frame - compressive deformation

The main project output will be data and recommendations for implementation in timber frame design. The research involves monitoring compressive deformation of vertical loading in timber frame platform construction, via a series of scaled models to simulate typical loading of medium rise buildings up to six storeys. Project partner: TRADA Technology.

Recycling wood fibre

Aims to develop novel products from recycled wood fibre in various forms and to divert material from landfill. This will involve targeting sources of waste that are more difficult to recover/separate. Project Partners: TRADA Technology, Excel Industries.