Background and aim. Considering the significant amount of timber constructions that end up in landfills or are incinerated, promoting efficient and circular use is essential. Designing structural elements for dis- and reassembly can extend their lifespan. However, uncertainties remain about these elements' material properties and functional performance after being disassembled, and whether they meet technical requirements for structural building products. This study investigates the impacts of using industrial wood residues to produce I-beams and multiple disassembly cycles on the mechanical properties of floor elements. Methods and Data. The E-modulus and bending strength of elements were measured with bending tests performed according to EN 408:2010. The effects of dis- and reassembly on flooring elements made from a combination of graded sawn timber and industrial wood residues in the form of ungraded sawn timber offcuts were tested and evaluated after repeated cycles and compared to reference values. Initially, six elements were disassembled once or twice, and three elements were tested until failure to be considered as reference elements. Findings. Two different types of reassembly processes were considered for the elements. The first reassembly type resulted in a decrease in both bending strength and E-modulus mean values. In contrast, the second reassembly type led to an approximately 78% increase in bending strength and a slight 9% decrease in E-modulus. Theoretical / Practical / Societal implications. Using industrial wood residues in the form of ungraded sawn timber offcuts and graded sawn timber to produce load-bearing systems increases industrial wood residue utilization in structural elements. Studying the mechanical properties of elements after one or two dis- and reassembly processes ensures the user of the quality of elements after disassembly and increases the reuse rate and carbon storage time. The study shows that new end-of-life scenarios can be defined for flooring elements and industrial wood residues.
The research for this article was carried out under the project DUET- Circular Design and Use of Wood Building Elements within the Bioeconomy in the North program and financed in Sweden by Vinnova, Sweden’s Innovations Authority