Research by West Virginia University (WVU) professor Joseph McNeel and his colleagues suggests that certain lower-grade hardwoods, such as yellow poplar, may be an affordable and sustainable alternative to materials traditional construction materials such as soft wood, steel and concrete.
According to WVU Today investigative writer Laura Roberts, who interviewed Joseph McNeel, the director of the WVU Appalachian Hardwood Center, housed in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, has been studying the feasibility of yellow poplar, an abundant West Virginia. species, as an engineered wood construction material. Yellow poplar is well suited for construction due to its straight growth, small limbs and ease of processing.
While traditional wood consists of a single piece, a durable and sturdy product can be created by gluing and pressing several pieces together in layers. These layered panels, known as cross-laminated timber (CLT), are typically made from softwoods such as spruce, fir and pine. However, McNeel’s research indicates that certain Appalachian hardwoods, such as yellow poplar, can also be used effectively in structural applications.
In the lab, McNeel and his team have developed panels with three, five and seven layers using a press that exerts significant pressure. They performed tests to assess the bending and breaking strength of the panels and exposed samples to harsh conditions such as water saturation and dehydration. The results indicated that the panels performed well and could be suitable for construction.
The next step is to get yellow poplar accepted as an acceptable raw material by the American Panel Association (APA). Once approved, CLT manufacturing companies will be able to incorporate yellow poplar CLT into commercial construction projects. This development not only benefits the construction industry, but also forest products companies in the Appalachian region that currently use hardwood in low-value items.
Speaking with WVU Today, McNeel said the successful implementation of CLTs depends on the region’s ability to produce them, as the panels are difficult to transport due to their weight. He emphasized the importance of hardwood manufacturing facilities being close to the market to minimize costs.
McNeel and his team are also exploring the use of red oak, another Appalachian hardwood, in the construction of wooden mats. These mats are wooden structures used to support heavy-duty equipment in sensitive locations prone to rapid soil degradation, such as wetlands. Red oak is very durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for these applications.
McNeel’s research team consists of Curt Hassler, research professor; Balazs Bencsik, postdoctoral candidate; Jon Norris, master’s candidate; and Levente Denes, associate professor in WVU’s Wood Science and Technology Program.
