WoodWorks Recognized in USDA Program for Innovative Wood Technologies

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/12/2015 - 19:33

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Under the USDA Forest Service 2015 Wood Innovations Program, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday announced funding for innovative projects in 23 states—one led by WoodWorks-Wood Products Council and several that will leverage WoodWorks’ technical and market expertise.

Secretary Vilsack announced the award of over $9 million to expand and accelerate wood energy and other wood product markets. These federal funds will leverage $22 million in investments from partners, resulting in a total investment of $31 million.

The WoodWorks-led project, Blast-Resistant Testing for Massive Timber Exterior Wall, will provide test data to determine the inelastic and ultimate properties of cross laminated timber (CLT) for blast resistance and progressive collapse design. Based on preliminary analysis, CLT has the potential to resist both blast effects and progressive collapse, which are requirements in the Minimum Antiterrorism Standards of the Unified Facilities Criteria. This project is intended to generate the dynamic testing data necessary to confirm its viability.

WoodWorks will also provide partnership support for the following funded projects:

“WoodWorks commends the USDA Forest Service and Secretary Vilsack for funding such a diverse group of initiatives all aimed at strengthening markets for innovative wood building materials and wood energy,” said Executive Director, Jennifer Cover, PE. “It is gratifying to see increased recognition that strong markets for forest products, not only provide incentives for private landowners to keep forested lands forested, but the funding needed to protect forest health and stimulate rural economies.”

About WoodWorks

WoodWorks-Wood Products Council (www.woodworks.org) provides free project assistance as well as education and resources related to the code-compliant design, engineering and construction of non-residential and multi-family wood buildings. WoodWorks technical experts offer support from design through construction on a wide range of building types, including mid-rise/multi-residential, educational, commercial, retail, office, institutional and public.

Article references
finance.yahoo.com