Photo: A thermally modified mass timber specimen undergoing mechanical testing at Washington State University's Composite Materials & Engineering Center. Photo credit: WSU
About
The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), Washington State University (WSU), and industry partners Therma Wood Technologies and the Composite Recycling Technology Center have collaborated to develop high-performance mass timber panels using small-diameter balsam fir. Researchers are thermally modifying and laminating the harvested wood to create durable building panels that are highly resistant to moisture and decay. By demonstrating the performance of this technology from low-value timber, the project aims to offset the costs of wildfire mitigation, reduce forest fuel loads, and boost the competitiveness of the regional forest products industry.
Funding
This project is supported by the USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations grant program (grant no. 23-DG-11094200-266) and the National Science Foundation (grant no. 1827434).
Project Overview
The management of balsam fir stands in Minnesota has become a priority due to an active, long-running spruce budworm outbreak. This native caterpillar feeds heavily on mature balsam fir, leaving behind dense areas of dead, standing wood that elevates regional wildfire risks. Small-diameter balsam fir on National Forest and other regional lands is often not removed. Concurrently, a lack of commercial markets for this material has reduced overall stand management, contributing to an accumulation of forest fuels that elevates regional wildfire risks. This utilization gap is particularly concerning as climate change increases insect epidemics and disease, leaving vast stands of dead, highly flammable wood on the forest floor that acts as a dangerous ladder fuel. To mitigate wildfire risks and improve forest resilience, forestry professionals need high-value, durable products that can utilize this abundant, underutilized wood source.
Researchers are thermally modifying and laminating small-diameter balsam fir to develop high-performance mass timber building panels, evaluate their mechanical strength, fire performance, and resistance to moisture and decay. The team has also conducted techno-economic and architectural design assessments to establish commercial feasibility and connect this restored forest material to the rapidly growing mass timber construction industry. Finally, with support from Mithun, a real-world demonstration of the panels will be completed in downtown Seattle, WA.
Goals
- Develop and engineer durable mass timber panels from small-diameter balsam fir using an optimized thermal modification process.
- Assess the structural performance of the new building panels, focusing on their mechanical strength and resistance to moisture, rot, and decay.
- Evaluate market viability and applications through techno-economic analyses and architectural design assessments to establish commercial pathways.
- Share research findings and market benefits with landowners, timber harvesters, architects, and wood manufacturers to encourage industry adoption.
Outcomes
This research aims to deliver comprehensive engineering data on the durability and structural limits of balsam fir mass timber, alongside clear financial and design frameworks for its commercial adoption. By verifying that thermal modification can successfully upgrade low-value wood into premium building panels, the ultimate impact will be the expansion of regional manufacturing opportunities. Cultivating this commercial market provides landowners and forest managers with a self-sustaining financial mechanism to offset the costs of fuel reduction, leading to healthier forest ecosystems and reduced wildfire threats across the region.
Project Team
Matthew Aro, NRRI Research Program Manager
Vikram Yadama, Professor, Washington State University
Omar Espinoza, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota
Craig Curtis, Director of Emerging Building Technology, Mithun
Ryan Rideout, Architect, Mithun
Composite Recycling Technology Center, Port Angeles, WA
Therma Wood Technologies, Ronan, MT
Project Contact
For more information, please contact the project coordinator:
Matt Aro | Office: 218-788-2700 | Email: [email protected]
Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota
5013 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN 55811