Edinburgh Napier University

  The quality of timber varies and, while we have little control over tree growth compared to industrial manufacturing processes, we do know many of the factors that influence wood properties. Both the species
and the growth region are important since growing conditions and forestry practice affect the quality and volume of timber produced.

Safety of grading
Structural engineering is about ensuring that buildings are safe and remain fit for use. This involves ensuring that structural timber has adequate properties to meet the performance expected of it in the design. Strength grading is a non-destructive assessment that identifies and rejects the poorer pieces of timber to improve and guarantee the properties of what is passed. It uses information about the piece of timber to predict strength, stiffness and density without causing damage to the timber...