NOCMAT 2009

In September we will be presenting a paper at the 11th International Conference on Non-conventional Materials and Technologies (NOCMAT 2009) in Bath.

The paper, entitled "Strategic Integrated Research in Timber: Getting the most out of the UK’s timber resource" will be placed in our online repository after the conference. Here is the abstract:

Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) is the United Kingdom’s main commercial tree species accounting for nearly one-third of the UK's total woodland area and half of its conifer estate. Sawn timber from this species readily grades to the C16 strength class, but there are factors beyond the structural grade that can influence its acceptance as a construction material. This paper summarises the results from resource characterisation studies that have investigated the properties of Sitka spruce at the standing-tree scale down to the scale of a few microns. These studies have substantially improved the understanding of the impact on mechanical performance of structural timber of factors at the micro-structural level (e.g. cellulose structure and abundance) and at the forest-level (e.g. genetics, the environment and forest management). End-user requirements for timber are discussed in terms of what is, and is not, provided by current grading practice and some of the main misconceptions about UK-timber are challenged.

Short KTPs with the SIRT team

Short KTPs are an extension of the highly successful Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme and will be launched on 1st July.

Like regular KTPs, these "short KTPs" involve a company and a Higher Education Institute (e.g. University) working together on a project driven by the business needs of the company. Funding is a combination of public sector and company money - Government grants of 40 to 60% will be available. The person who works directly on the project can already be an employee of the company or University.

The SIRT team has already worked with companies through the existing KTP scheme in which projects normally last two years. The new short KTPs are designed to tackle shorter-term, more tactical, company needs. The project duration will typically be between 10 and 40 weeks. Both schemes are available throughout the UK.

Anyone interested in working with us through short or regular KTPs, can contact the Centre for Timber Engineering's Alastair Stupart on 0131 455 2831 or by email at a.stupart@napier.ac.uk.