Influence of a long-term storage in anaerobic conditions on Norway spruce (Picea abies, L. Karst.) physical and mechanical wood properties

ABSTRACT

Timber storage is a key aspect of storm damage management. After huge storms, sprinkling storage is usually the most used conservation process but anaerobic storage in sealed silos appears as good alternative to preserve wood quality over long periods. This paper investigates the impact of long-term (57 months) storage of Norway spruce logs in anaerobic atmosphere on wood properties. Tests were performed on clear wood specimens and on lumbers to determine the modulus of elasticity (E), the static bending strength (σ_f) and the dynamic bending strength (K). Storage effects on impregnability and colour variation were also studied. Results show no effect of storage on E, σ_f and K. The naturally poor impregnability of Norway spruce is not improved by the anaerobic conditions, compared to traditional wet storage. Triangle tests reveal no discernible colour variation between logs that underwent anaerobic storage and the control sample. As a conclusion, despite a mould (Gliocladium solani) frequently observed on logs surface after the storage, the process offers ideal conservation conditions. While overall cost remains the main drawback for using anaerobic storage at large scale, the process can be recommended for high value logs, especially since it has few environmental impacts.

KEYWORDS:

• Anaerobic storage
• spruce
• windthrow
• wood properties

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

ORCID

Simon Riguelle http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5832-0168

Additional information

Funding

Authors would like to thank the Nature and Forest Department (DNF) from the Public Service of Wallonia (SPW), DGARNE, for their financial and technical support, as well as the staff from the Wood Technology Laboratory and Geprofor ASBL for their helpful support during the experiment. They also express their gratitude to Wood-Packer Company for their technical support.