Course code MatZ5024

Credit points 7.50

Uses of Wood in Structures I

Total Hours in Course200

Number of hours for lectures36

Number of hours for seminars and practical classes12

Number of hours for laboratory classes12

Independent study hours140

Date of course confirmation17.02.2015

Responsible UnitInstitute of Civil Engineering and Wood Processing

Course developer

author

Andris Morozovs

Dr.chem.

Course abstract

The given course studies the student acquires deper knowledge and skills on wood anatomical structure of the chemical process technology point of view, wood -chemical, biological, physical modification technology, wood and its components, the new generation of self-obligating protection, impregnation materiāliiem and technology and other wood deep processing processes and perspectives.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

KNOWLEDGE. Capability to display the knowledge required to the wood processing specialist on changes in the properties of wood by its modification with physical or chemical means and methods in line with the latest achievements of wood modification studies wold-wide as well as knowledge of impacts of wood modification or impregnation with protective agents on the environment and society. Tests
SKILLS. Capable of using theoretical bases and skills learned in order to select the type of wood treatment and its need according to the specific conditions for wood use in structures as well as being able to carry out innovative or research activities for sustainable use of wood structures. Skill in formulation and analytical evaluation of information on problems and solutions in wood use in buildings and industrial infrastructures as well as explaining them and arguing them with both specialists and non-specialists. Capable of self-structuring professional self-development, guide subordinates’ to further education and professional development. The ability to take part into solving problems with a scientific approach, as well as to take responsibility and initiative through work on a case-by-case basis take decisions and find creative solutions in changing or uncertain circumstances in a team or in the management of other people's activities. Laboratory works
COMPETENCE. Capable of independently obtain, select and analyse information and use it, as well as to take decisions and address the problems of wood use in the wood structures, their manufacture and use of. Capable of assessing impacts of wood modification or use of protective technique on environment and society, as well as being able to participate competently in innovations in woodworking. Exam

Course Content(Calendar)

1.Chemical composition of wood
2.Weathering of wood
3.Workshop Wood and Environment / Lab Determination of minerals content
4.Wood modification benefits and disadvantages Test. Wood and its chemical composition
5.Workshop Wood Constructions Protection Products Lab. Determination of extractives
6.Technologies of wood impregnation
7.Workshop Wood impregnation assessment
8.Wood chemical technologies in constructions Lab. Determination of the depth of impregnation
9.Wood chemical modification Test: Wood impregnation
10.Wood thermal modification Lab. Determination of the composition of wood elements and calculation of Ca and O ratio.
11.Workshop: Wood modification
12.Impregnation modification of wood
13.Workshop Commercialization wood modification Lab. Determination of the degree of wood modification
14.Modification of wood surface. Test: Wood modification
15.Effects of wood modification on adhesion Lab: Determination of wood surface energy
16.Workshop: Presentation of independent work

Requirements for awarding credit points

6 laboratory works must have been worked, their minutes credited, 3 quizzes credited, electronically prepared survey of scientific and patent literature and reported at the workshop, as well as a successful exam

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Preparation for tests; processing of results of laboratory work and drawing up minutes of laboratory work. Preparation review of articles in scientific journals and patents on wood application in constructions according individual topic. Preparation for the exam

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The overall assessment of studies consists of participation and activity in the classes, evaluations of written tests and laboratory work minutes, the performance of independent work, as well as exam result. Each of the above studies activities shall form a part of the total mark:
•classes attendance and student’s activity in it - 10%;
•tests - 30%;
•assessment of minutes of laboratory works - 30%
•assessment of independent work (Literature Review, presentation on workshop and activity in the discussion) - 30%
Final assessment = (the amount of interest earned by the student at 100  10 + exam) / 2 shall be assessed if each of the above conditions is met at least 50%.

Compulsory reading

1.Zaķis Ģ. Koksnes ķīmijas pamati. Rīga: LV Koksnes ķīmijas institūts, 2008. 199 lpp. 2. Morozovs A., Irbe I., Bukšāns E. Koksnes ķīmiskā pārstāde un aizsardzība. Rīga: Avots, 2018. 171 lpp. 3. Hill C.A.S. Wood Modification. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2006. 239 p.

Further reading

1.Reinprecht L. Wood deterioration, protection and maintenance. Chichester, West Sussex, United Kingdom: Wiley-Blackwell, 2016. 357 p. 2. Coulson J. Wood in construction: how to avoid costly mistakes. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012. 208 p. 3. Mayo J. Solid wood: case studies in mass timber architecture, technology and design. London, New York: Routledge, 2015. 346 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Baltijas Koks. ISSN: 1407-6667
2. Latvijas Ķīmijas žurnāls. ISSN: 0868-8249.
3. Baltic Timber Journal. ISSN 1407-6667

Notes

The study course is included in the master level program Wood Materials and Technology as specialization in the one directions realized by Forest Faculty