Wood structures, properties and uses
Summary
The presentation of tree growth and formation of wood anatomical structures, linked to the description of specific physical and mechanical properties, makes it possible to understand the different forms of utilisation of this material, including aspects of sustainable development.
Content
- Overview of forest management in function of the tree species and concept of sustainable development (specific to forestry and in the actual broad sense)
- Biology of wood formation
- Physiology and Chemistry of wood
- Microscopic and macroscopic structures of the main softwood and hardwood species (identification tests)
- Biological, physical and mechanical prop. of woods
- Forms of uses in function to the properties
- Wood modification processes
- Modern wood-based materials and their applications
- Life cycle assessments and potentials for sustainability.
Keywords
Trees/Wood/Anatomy/Structures/Properties/Utilisations
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
General knowledge in materials science and biology
Recommended courses
Building materials, structures, properties, material recycling, composite materials
Important concepts to start the course
General notions of ecology
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Explain the different services provided by the forests
- Describe the wood anatomical structure of the main species
- Interpret the wood properties as a function of its structure
- Sketch the forms of utilisation of timbers as a fonction of their properties
- Characterize the relationship between species, structures, properties and uses
- Create a new product using wood or wood compounds
Transversal skills
- Take responsibility for environmental impacts of her/ his actions and decisions.
- Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.
- Make an oral presentation.
Teaching methods
Frontal and student-centered, case study, insight in laboratory work, student presentations
Expected student activities
Presentation (general portrait) of a tree species, linked with a specific form of wood utilisation (teams of 2- 4 students), preparation of a group work in the frame of a case study on wood core for the ski production (in collaboration with First Trak Lab)
Assessment methods
Oral : wood species presentation and specific wood technology topic
Written :knowledge of features and properties of the major wood species in Europe. Selection of wood species for product development (with knowleddge of wood chemistry, wood compounds, wood mechanical and physical properties). Apply wood modification technologies to accompaign a product development. The final exam is an open-book exam and take home exam.
Supervision
| Office hours | Yes |
| Assistants | No |
| Forum | No |
Resources
Bibliography
Spinger Handbook of Wood Scince and Technology, Peter Niemz, Alfred Teischinger, Dick Sandberg, 2023
Ressources en bibliothèque
- Spinger Handbook of Wood Scince and Technology, Peter Niemz, Alfred Teischinger, Dick Sandberg, 2023
Notes/Handbook
A polycopy is distributed,
and a personal collection of small wood samples.
Moodle Link
Prerequisite for
Professional activities (choice of materials in projects)
In the programs
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Wood structures, properties and uses
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional
- Semester: Spring
- Exam form: Written (summer session)
- Subject examined: Wood structures, properties and uses
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: optional