Robert J. Ross
Supervisory Research Gen. Engineer
Engineering Properties of Wood, Wood Based Materials and Structures
One Gifford Pinchot Drive
Madison, WI 53726-2398
United States
Madison, WI 53726-2398
United States
Phone
608-231-9221
Research Interest
- Nondestructive evaluation
- Structural condition assessment
Education
- Washington State University, Pullman, WA, Ph.D., Engineering Science,
- Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, M.S., Engineering Mechanics,
- Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, B.S., Wood and Fiber Utilization,
Professional Experience
-
Supervisory Research General Engineer,
USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory,
1988 -
Current
-
Research Engineer,
TrusJoist Corp.,
1987 -
1988
-
Wood Engineer,
Metriguard, Inc.,
1984 -
1987
-
Engineer,
Weyerhaeuser Company and Masonite Corporation,
1978 -
1981
Professional Organizations
- Member, Forest Products Society (FPS), Current
Awards & Recognition
- Society of Wood Science and Technology, George Marra Award for Excellence in Writing, 2014
- Forest Products Society, Fred W. Gottschalk Memorial Award, 2013
- President's Volunteer Service Award, 2013
- Chief's Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer, 2001
- Society for Experimental Mechanics Outstanding Paper Award, 1996
- Federal Laboratory Consortium Award for Excellence in Technology Transfer, 1993
- USDA Superior Service Award, 1992
Featured Publications
- Ross, Robert J.; USDA Forest Service., Forest Products Laboratory. 2010. Wood handbook : wood as an engineering material
- Cai, Zhiyong; Ross, Robert J.. 2010. Mechanical properties of wood-based composite materials
- Wang, Xiping; Stelzer, Henry E.; Wiedenbeck, Jan; Lebow, Patricia K.; Ross, Robert J.. 2009. Assessing wood quality of borer-infested red oak logs with a resonance acoustic technique
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; McClellan, Michael; Barbour, R. James; Erickson, John R.; Forsman, John W.; McGinnis, Gary D.. -1. Strength and stiffness assessment of standing trees using a nondestructive stress wave technique.
Patents
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert; Brashaw, Brian; Thomas, Ed - 2018 - Improving Log Defect Detection Accuracy by Combining Complementary Scanning Methods
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert; Mattson, James A; Erickson, John ; Forsman, John W; Geske, Earl A; Wehr, Michael A - 2006 - System for and Method of Performing Evaluation Techniques on a Log or Round Timber
- Wang, Xiping; Sharplin, Nigel; Carter, Peter; Ross, Robert J. - 2008 - Method and Apparatus for Evaluation of Standing Timber
- Ross, Robert - 1994 - Method and Apparatus for Evaluating the Drying Properties of Un-Dried Wood
- Ross, Robert J.; DeGroot, Rodney C.; Geske, Earl A.; Nelson, William J.; Malinauskas, Vyto C.; Cuevas, Diego O. - 1995 - Method and Apparatus for In Situ Evaluation of Wooden Members
- Soltis, Lawrence A.; Ross, Robert J. - 1996 - Bolted Wood Connections
- Soltis, Lawrence A.; Ross, Robert J.; von Segen, William W. - 1996 - Break-In-Resistant Wood Panel Door
- Soltis, Lawrence A.; Ross, Robert J.; Rammer, Douglas R. - 1998 - Localized Notch Reinforcement for Wooden Beams
- Soltis, Lawrence A.; Ross, Robert J.; Rammer, Douglas R. - 1998 - Localized Notch Reinforcement for Wooden Beams
- Schafer, Mark E.; Ross, Robert J. - 2000 - Ultrasonic Apparatus for Characterizing Wooden Members
- Schafer, Mark E.; Ross, Robert J. - 2000 - Method and Apparatus for Detecting and Characterizing Splits In Logs
- Schafer, Mark E. ; Ross, Robert J.; Erickson, John R.; DeGroot, Rodney C. - 2001 - System and Method of Assessing the Structural Properties of Wooden Members Using Ultrasound
- Schafer, Mark E.; Ross, Robert J. - 2001 - Method and Apparatus for On-Line Monitoring of Log Sawing
- Schafer, Mark E.; Ross, Robert J. - 2002 - Method and Apparatus for On-Line Monitoring of Log Sawing
Other Publications
- Kirker, Grant T.; Wang, Xiping; Senalik, Christopher Adam; Storer, Andrew; Xie, Xinfeng; Kamprath, Nathan; York, Keith; Ross, Robert. 2022. Research opportunities in the tropics: summary of 2019 evaluation of test sites in Panama and Suriname
- Verrill, Steve; Owens, Frank C.; Shmulsky, Rubin; Ross, Robert. 2021. Java image analysis program for lumber knots, and related nonlinear least squares routines for fitting lumber modulus of rupture to strength predictors
- Verrill, Steve; Owens, Frank C.; Shmulsky, Rubin; Ross, Robert. 2021. Improved models for predicting the modulus of rupture of lumber under third point loading
- Anderson, Guangmei Cao; Owens, Frank C.; Verrill, Steve P.; Ross, Robert J.; Shmulsky, Rubin. 2021. Fitting Statistical Distribution Models to MOE and MOR in Mill-Run Spruce and Red Pine Lumber Populations
- Musah, Munkaila ; Wang, Xiping ; Dickinson, Yvette ; Ross, Robert J.; Rudnicki, Mark ; Xie, Xinfeng. 2021. Durability of the adhesive bond in cross-laminated northern hardwoods and softwoods
- Ross, Robert; Senalik, Christopher Adam; Shmulsky, Rubin; Brashaw, Brian. 2021. Development of Field Inspection Practices for Wood Structures on Fire-Prone Lands: Application of State-of-the-Art Condition Assessment Techniques
- Shmulsky, Rubin ; França, Frederico José Nistal; Ratcliff, J. Tedrick; Farber, Benjamin ; Senalik, C. Adam; Ross, Robert J.; Seale, R. Daniel.. 2021. Compression Properties of Small Clear Southern Yellow Pine Specimens Tested across Five Decades
- Franca, Frederico Jose Nistal; Shmulsky, Rubin; Ratcliff, Tedrick; Farber, Benjamin; Senalik, Christopher Adam; Ross, Robert; Seale, R. Daniel. 2021. Interrelationships of Specific Gravity, Stiffness, and Strength of Yellow Pine across Five Decades
- França, Frederico José Nistal; Shmulsky, Rubin ; Ratcliff, J. Tedrick; Farber, Benjamin ; Senalik, C. Adam; Ross, Robert J.; Seale, R. Daniel.. 2021. Yellow Pine Small Clear Flexural Properties across Five Decades
- Senalik, Christopher Adam; França, F. J. N.; Seale, R. D.; Ross, Robert J.; Shmulsky, R.. 2020. Estimating lumber properties with acoustic-based technologies Part 2: Ultimate tension stress estimation from time- and frequency-domain parameters
- Senalik, Christopher Adam; França, F. J. N.; Seale, R. D.; Ross, Robert J.; Shmulsky, R.. 2020. Estimating lumber properties with acoustic-based technologies Part 1: Modeling acoustic (stress) wave behavior in clear wood and lumber
- Ma, Yunxiang ; Wang, Xiping ; Begel, Marshall ; Dai, Qingli ; Dickinson, Yvette ; Xie, Xinfeng ; Ross, Robert J.. 2021. Flexural and shear performance of CLT panels made from salvaged beetle-killed white spruce
- Xu, Feng ; Liu, Yunfei ; Wang, Xiping ; Brashaw, Brian K.; Yeary, Lon A.; Ross, Robert J.. 2021. Evaluating internal condition of hardwood logs based on AR-minimum entropy deconvolution combined with wavelet based spectral kurtosis approach
- Ma, Yunxiang ; Si, Ruizhe ; Musah, Munkaila ; Dai, Qingli ; Xie, Xinfeng ; Wang, Xiping ; Ross, Robert J.. 2021. Mechanical Property Evaluation of Hybrid Mixed-Species CLT Panels with Sugar Maple and White Spruce
- Liu, Fenglu ; Zhang, Houjiang ; Wang, Xiping ; Jiang, Fang ; Yu, Wenhua ; Ross, Robert J.. 2021. Acoustic Wave Propagation in Standing Trees - Part II. Effects of Tree Diamter and Juvenile Wood
- Ross, Robert; Shmulsky, Rubin. 2021. Some Mechanical Properties of Hardwood-Based Particle Composite Materials
- Cai, Zhiyong; Senalik, Christopher Adam; Ross, Robert. 2021. Mechanical properties of wood-based composite materials
- Ross, Robert. 2021. Wood handbook: Wood as an engineering material
- Ma, Yunxiang ; Musah, Munkaila ; Si, Ruizhe ; Dai, Qingli ; Xie, Xinfeng ; Wang, Xiping ; Ross, Robert J.. 2021. Integrated experimental and numerical study on flexural properties of cross laminated timber made of low-value sugar maple lumber
- Anderson, Guangmei Cao; Owens, Frank C.; Franca, Frederico; Ross, Robert; Shmulsky, Rubin. 2020. Correlations between grain angle meter readings and bending properties of mill-run southern pine lumber
- Ross, Robert; Hoyle, Robert J.. 2020. Using modulus of elasticity as the sorting criterion in the manufacture of lodgepole pine laminated decking: a pilot study
- As, Nusret ; Senalik, C. Adam; Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping ; Farber, Benjamin. 2020. Nondestructive evaluation of the tensile properties of structural lumber from the spruce-pine-fir species grouping: relationship between modulus of elasticity and ultimate tension stress
- As, Nusret ; Senalik, C. Adam; Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping. 2020. Nondestructive evaluation of the tensile properties of structural lumber from the spruce-pine-fir species grouping: relationship between grain angle and energy loss
- Bechtel, Friend K.; Ross, Robert J.. 2020. Foundation of nondestructive testing of wood products: contributions from an industrial research engineer
- Verrill, Steve P.; Owens, Frank C.; Arvanitis, Matthew A.; Kretschmann, David E.; Shmulsky, Rubin ; Ross, Robert J.; Lebow, Patricia. 2020. Estimated probability of breakage of lumber of a fixed grade can vary greatly from mill to mill and time to time
- Owens, Frank C.; Verrill, Steve P.; Shmulsky, Rubin ; Ross, Robert J.. 2020. Distributions of MOE and MOR in eight mill-run lumber populations (four mills at two times)
- Entsminger, Edward D.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Seale, R. Daniel; Ross, Robert J.. 2020. Machine grading of lumber practical concerns for lumber producers
- Liu, Fenglu ; Wang, Xiping ; Zhang, Houjiang ; Jiang, Fang ; Yu, Wenhua ; Liang, Shanqing ; Fu, Feng ; Ross, Robert J.. 2020. Acoustic Wave Propagation in Standing Trees Part 1. Numerical Simulation
- Franca, Frederico ; Senalik, C. Adam; Seale, R. Daniel; Ross, Robert R.; Shmulsky, Rubin. 2019. Comparing idealized acoustic wave behavior to that observed in clear wood and lumber
- Ross, Robert J.; Erickson, John R.. 2020. Undervalued hardwoods for engineered materials and components: second edition
- As, Nusret ; Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping ; Senalik, Christopher Adam.. 2019. Nondestructive evaluation of tensile properties of structural lumber from the spruce-pine-fir species grouping: phase 1 evaluation of modulus of elasticity
- Anderson, Guangmei Cao; Owens, Frank ; Shmulsky, Rubin ; Ross, Robert J.. 2019. Within-Mill Variation in the Means and Variances of MOE and MOR of Mill-Rul Lumber Over Time
- Xu, Feng ; Liu, Yunfei ; Wang, Xiping ; Brashaw, Brian K.; Yeary, Lon A.; Ross, Robert J.. 2019. Assessing internal soundness of hardwood logs through acoustic impact test and waveform analysis
- Owens, Frank ; Verrill, Steve ; Shmulsky, Rubin ; Ross, Robert J.. 2019. Distributions of modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture in four mill run lumber populations
- Wang, Xiping ; Sauter, Udo H.; Ross, Robert J.. 2019. Proceedings, 21st international nondestructive testing and evaluation of wood symposium
- Dickinson, Yvette ; Wang, Xiping ; Wiedenbeck, Jan ; Ross, Robert J.. 2019. Effects of silviculture practices on engineering properties of northern hardwood species of the Great Lakes Region: a literature review
- Senalik, C. Adam; Zhou, Lujing ; Ross, Robert J.. 2017. Assessment of deterioration in timbers with time and frequency domain analysis techniques
- Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping ; Senalik, C. Adam.. 2018. Nondestructive assessment of wood members in a viewing tower in Potawatomi State Park, Door County, Wisconsin, USA
- Wang, Xiping ; Thomas, Ed ; Xu, Feng ; Liu, Yunfei ; Krause, Victor ; Brashaw, Brian K.; Ross, Robert J.. 2017. Combining acoustic and laser scanning methods to improve hardwood log segregation
- Franca, Frederico J.N.; Seale, R. Daniel; Ross, Robert J.; Shmulsky, Rubin ; Amorim Franca, Tamara S.F.. 2018. Using transverse vibration nondestructive testing techniques to estimate stiffness and strength of southern pine lumber
- Xu, Feng ; Wang, Xiping ; Thomas, Ed ; Liu, Yunfei ; Brashaw, Brian K.; Ross, Robert J.. 2018. Defect detection and quality assessment of hardwood logs: part 1 acoustic impact test and wavelet analysis
- Wang, Xiping ; Thomas, Ed ; Xu, Feng ; Liu, Yunfei ; Brashaw, Brian K.; Ross, Robert J.. 2018. Defect detection and quality assessment of hardwood logs: part 2 combined acoustic and laser scanning system
- Kochkin, Vladimir ; Hudson, Ed ; Ross, Robert J.; Martinson, Karen L.. 2018. Industry-prioritized research, technology transfer, and education needs and opportunities in residential construction
- Rudnicki, Mark; Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Allison, R. Bruce; Perzynski, Kevin. 2017. Measuring wood quality in standing trees--a review
- Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping; Senalik, C. Adam; Allison, R. Bruce; Zhou, Lujing. 2017. Nondestructive assessment of wood members from a historic viewing tower
- Senalik, C. Adam; Ross, Robert J.; Zelinka, Samuel L.; Lebow, Stan T.; Cai, Zhiyong. 2017. Accelerated aging of preservative-treated structural plywood
- Kan, Jiangming; Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping; Li, Wenbin. 2017. Energy harvesting from wood floor vibration using a piezoelectric generator
- Gao, Shan; Wang, Xiping; Wiemann, Michael C.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Lihai. 2017. A critical analysis of methods for rapid and nondestructive determination of wood density in standing trees
- Wang, Xiping; Senalik, Christopher Adam; Ross, Robert; Bennett, Neal; Conner, Debbie. 2016. Effects of cedar oil and silica gel treatment on dimensional stability and mechanical properties of Southern Yellow Pine boards
- Senalik, Christopher Adam; Ross, Robert J.. 2015. Predicting Plywood Properties with Wood-based Composite Models
- Senalik, Christopher Adam; Ross, Robert J.; DeGroot, Rodney. 2015. Ultrasound Transmission Times in Biologically Deteriorated Wood
- Williamson, Tom; Ross, Robert J.. 2016. (Eds.) Proceedings: Mass Timber Research Workshop 2015
- Kochkin, Vladimir; Rammer, Douglas R.; Kauffman, Kevin; Wiliamson, Thomas; Ross, Robert J.. 2015. SIP Shear Walls: Cyclic Performance of High-Aspect-Ratio Segments and Perforated Walls
- Ross, Robert J.; Gonçalves, Raquel; Wang, Xiping. 2015. Proceedings: 19th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Verrill, Steve; Lowell, Eini; Barbour, Jamie. 2015. Acoustic Evaluation of Thinning and Biosolid Fertilization Effects on Wood Quality of a Douglas-fir stand
- Brashaw, Brian K.; Anderson, Samuel; Ross, Robert J.. 2015. Laser Scanning Technology as Part of a Comprehensive Condition Assessment for Covered Bridges
- Ross, Robert J.. 2015. Nondestructive Evaluation of Wood: Second Edition
- Franca, Frederico J. N.; Franca, Tamara S.F. Amorin; Yeary, Lon A.; Hohnholt, Christopher; Forsman, John W.; Ross, Robert J.. 2015. Condition Assessment of a Historic Trout Rearing Station in Upper Michigan
- Dundar, Turker; Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.. 2013. Prediction of transverse shrinkages of young-growth Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) with ultrasonic measurements
- Ross, Robert; Forsman, John W.; Erickson, John R.; Brackley, Allen M.. 2014. Nondestructive Testing Technique to Quantify Deterioration from Marine Borer Attack in Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock Logs: Observations from a Pilot Test
- McDonald, Dwight, E..; Begel, Marshall; Senalik, C. Adam; Ross, Robert; Skaggs, Thomas D.; Yeh, Borjen; Williamson, Thomas. 2014. Creep Behavior of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPS): Results from a Pilot Study
- Senalik, Adam C.; Schueneman, Greg; Ross, Robert J.. 2014. Ultrasonic-Based Nondestructive Evaluation Methods for Wood: A Primer and Historical Review
- Ross, Robert J.; White, Robert H.. 2014. Wood Condition Assessment Manual: Second Edition
- Lebow, Stan T.; Ross, Robert J.; Zelinka, Samuel L.. 2014. Evaluation of Wood Species and Preservatives for Use in Wisconsin Highway Sign Posts
- Li, Guanghui; Wang, Xiping; Feng, Hailin; Wiedenbeck, Jan; Ross, Robert J.. 2014. Analysis of wave velocity patterns in black cherry trees and its effect on internal decay detection
- Rammer, Douglas R.; Moura, Jorge de Melo; Ross, Robert J.. 2014. Structural Performance of the Second Oldest Glued-Laminated Structure in the United States
- Wang, Xiping; Verrill, Steve; Lowell, Eini; Ross, Robert J.; Herian, Vicki L.. 2013. Acoustic sorting models for improved log segregation
- Qing, Yan; Ross, Robert J.; Cai, Zhiyong; Wu, Yiqiang. 2013. Nondestructive Measurement of Dynamic Modulus for Cellulose Nanofibril Films
- Li, Guanghui; Wang, Xiping; Wiedenbeck, Jan; Ross, Robert J.. 2013. Analysis of Wave Velocity Patterns in Black Cherry Trees and its Effect on Internal Decay Detection
- Bridwell, James J.; Ross, Robert J.; Cai, Zhiyong; Kretschmann, David E.. 2013. USDA Forest Products Laboratory's Debris Launcher
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Hunt, Michael O.. 2004. Low Frequency Vibration approach to asess the Performance of wood structural Systems
- Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping. 2012. Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood 50 Years of Research: International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium Series
- Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Anderson, Samuel J.. 2012. Use of Laser Scanning Technology to Obtain As-Built Records of Historic Covered Bridges
- Ross, Robert J.; Kan, Jiangming; Wang, Xiping; Blankenburg, Julie; Stockhausen, Janet I.; Pellerin, Roy F.. 2012. Wood and Wood-Based Materials as Sensors A Review of the Piezoelectric Effect in Wood
- Ross, Robert J.; Dundar, Turker. 2012. Condition Assessment of a 2,500-Year-Old Mummy Coffin
- Green, David W.; White, Robert; TenWolde, Anton; Simpson, William; Murphy, Joseph; Ross, Robert. 2007. Physical and mechanical properties of clear wood
- Brashaw, Brian; Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping. 2008. Innovative technology transfer of nondestructive evaluation research
- Ross, Robert J.. 2008. Transverse vibration techniques : logs to structural systems
- Wacker, James P.; Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.. 2008. Condition assessment of historic wood vessels
- Briggs, David G.; Thienel, Gonzalo; Turnblom, Eric C.; Lowell, Eini; Dykstra, Dennis; Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping; Carter, Peter. 2008. Influence of thinning on acoustic velocity of Douglas-fir trees in western Washington and western Oregon
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.. 2008. Acoustic evaluation of Alaskan young-growth wood
- Allison, R. Bruce; Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.. 2008. Visual and nondestructive evaluation of red pines supporting a ropes course in the USFS Nesbit Lake Camp, Sidnaw, Michigan
- Brashaw, Brian K.; Bucur, Voichita; Divos, Ferenc; Goncalves, Raquel; Lu, Jianxiong; Meder, Roger; Pellerin, Roy F.; Potter, Simon; Ross, Robert J; Wang, Xiping; Yin, Yafang. 2009. Nondestructive testing and evaluation of wood : a worldwide research update
- Wang, Xiping; Wacker, James; Ross, Robert; Brashaw, Brian. 2008. Condition assessment of main structural members of steam schooner WAPAMA
- Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Wang, Xiping; White, Robert H.; Pellerin, Roy F.. 2005. Post-fire assessment of structural wood members
- Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping; Brashaw, Brian K.; Forsman, John W.; Erickson, John R.. 2005. Chapter 8:Properties of red maple laminated veneer lumber
- Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.. 2005. Chapter 6:Engineered trusses from undervalued hardwoods
- Hunt, Michael O.; Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping; Soltis, Lawrence Andrew; Leavitt, R. R.; Cai, Zhiyong. 2007. Assessment of in-place wood floor systems
- Brashaw, Brian K.; Ross, Robert J.. 2005. Chapter 7:I-joists and headers
- Bergman, Richard, PhD.; Ross, Robert J.. 2008. Evaluating shrinkage of wood propellers in a high-temperature environment
- Wang, Xiping; Page-Dumroese, Deborah; Jurgensen, Martin F.; Ross, Robert J.. 2007. Field assessment of wood stake decomposition in forest soil
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Punches, John; Barbour, R. James; Forsman, John W.; Erickson, John R.. 2003. Evaluation of small-diameter timber for value-added manufacturing : a stress wave approach
- Wacker, James P.; Wang, Xiping; Brashaw, Brian; Ross, Robert J.. 2006. Estimating bridge stiffness using a forced-vibration technique for timber bridge health monitoring
- Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Wang, Xiping. 2006. Structural condition assessment of in-service wood
- Wang, Xiping; Wiedenbeck, Jan; Ross, Robert J.; Forsman, John W.; Erickson, John R.; Pilon, Crystal; Brashaw, Brian K.. 2005. Nondestructive evaluation of incipient decay in hardwood logs
- Green, D. W.; Ross, Robert. 1997. Linking log quality with product performance
- Cai, Zhiyong; Hunt, Michael O.; Ross, Robert J.; Soltis, Lawrence A.. 2000. Static and vibration moduli of elasticity of salvaged and new joists
- Cai, Zhiyong; Ross, Robert J.; Hunt, Michael O.; Soltis, Lawrence A.. 2002. Pilot study to examine use of transverse vibration nondestructive evaluation for assessing floor systems
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Erickson, John R.; Forsman, John W.; McGinnis, Gary D.; De Groot, Rodney C.. 2000. Nondestructive methods of evaluating quality of wood in preservative-treated piles
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; McClellan, Michael; Barbour, R. James; Erickson, John R.; Forsman, John W.; McGinnis, Gary D.. 2001. Nondestructive evaluation of standing trees with a stress wave method.
- Carter, Peter; Briggs, David; Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping. 2005. Acoustic testing to enhance western forest values and meet customer wood quality needs
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Erickson, John R.; Forsman, John W.; Pellerin, Roy. 2003. Diameter effect on stress-wave evaluation of modulus of elasticity of logs
- Schad, Kristin C.; Schmoldt, Daniel L.; Ross, Robert J.. 1996. Nondestructive Methods for Detecting Defects in Softwood Logs
- Ross, Robert J.; Pellerin, Roy F.; Volny, Norbert; Salsig, William W.; Falk, Robert H.. 1999. Inspection of timber bridges using stress wave timing nondestructive evaluation tools : a guide for use and interpretation
- Cai, Zhiyong; Hunt, Michael O.; Ross, Robert J.; Soltis, Lawrence A.. 2003. Screw withdrawal : a means to evaluate densities of in-situ wood members
- Schmoldt, Daniel L.; Ross, Robert J.; Nelson, Robert M.. 1996. Ultrasonic defect detection in wooden pallet parts for quality sorting
- Christensen, Glenn A.; Julin, Kent R.; Ross, Robert J.; Willits, Susan. 2002. Volume recovery, grade yield, and properties of lumber from young-growth sitka spruce and western hemlock in southeast Alaska.
- Liu, Jen Y.; Ross, Robert J.. 1998. Some relations among engineering constants of wood
- Brashaw, Brian K.; Vatalaro, Robert J.; Wacker, James P.; Ross, Robert J.. 2005. Condition assessment of timber bridges. 1, Evaluation of a micro-drilling resistance tool
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Carter, Peter. 2007. Acoustic evaluation of wood quality in standing trees. Part I, Acoustic wave behavior
- Schmoldt, Daniel L.; Nelson, Robert M.; Ross, Robert J.. 1996. Ultrasonic Defect Detection in Wooden Pallet Parts for Quality Sorting
- Schmoldt, Daniel L.; Nelson, Robert M.; Ross, Robert J.; McDonald, Kent A.. 1997. Ultrasonic Inspection of Wooden Pallet Parts Using Time of Flight
- Wang, Xiping; Wacker, James P.; Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.. 2005. Nondestructive assessment of timber bridges using a vibration-based method
- Wang, Xiping; Wacker, James P.; Morison, Angus M.; Forsman, John W.; Erickson, John R.; Ross, Robert J.. 2005. Nondestructive assessment of single-span timber bridges using a vibration- based method
- Knight, Lynn; Huff, Melissa; Stockhausen, Janet I.; Ross, Robert J.. 2005. Comparing energy use and environmental emissions of reinforced wood doors and steel doors
- Carter, Peter; Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Briggs, David. 2005. NDE of logs and standing trees using new acoustic tools : technical application and results
- Ross, Robert J.; Verhey, Steven; Erickson, John R.; Forsman, John W.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Pilon, Crystal L.; Wang, Xiping. 2004. Yield and ultrasonic modulus of elasticity of red maple veneer
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Punches, John; Erickson, John R.; Forsman, John W.; Pellerin, Roy E.. 2004. Diameter effect on stress-wave evaluation of modulus of elasticity of logs
- Halabe, Udaya B.; Bidigalu, Gangadhar M.; GangaRao, Hota V.S.; Ross, Robert J.. 1997. Nondestructive evaluation of green wood using stress wave and transverse vibration techniques
- Soltis, Lawrence A.; Ross, Robert J.. 1999. Repair of white oak glued-laminated beams
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Erickson, John R.; Forsman, John W.; McGinnis, Gary D.; De Groot, Rodney C.. 2001. Nondestructive evaluation of potential quality of creosote-treated piles removed from service
- Liu, Jen Y.; Ross, Robert J.. 2005. Relationship between radial compressive modulus of elasticity and shear modulus of wood
- Ross, Robert J.; Wang, Xiping. 2005. Quincy Mine Blacksmith Shop : condition assesment of timbers
- Ross, Robert J.; Hunt, Michael O.; Wang, Xiping; Soltis, Lawrence A.. 2001. Floor vibration : a possible assessment method for historic buildings
- Brashaw, Brian K.; Vatalaro, Robert J.; Wacker, James P.; Ross, Robert J.. 2005. Condition assessment of timber bridges. 2, Evaluation of several stress-wave tools
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Hunt, Michael O.; Erickson, John R.; Forsman, John W.. 2005. Low frequency vibration approach for assessing performance of wood floor systems
- Ross, Robert J.; Zerbe, John I.; Wang, Xiping; Green, David W.; Pellerin, Roy F.. 2005. Stress wave nondestructive evaluation of Douglas-fir peeler cores
- Brashaw, Brian K.; Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Pellerin, Roy F.. 2004. Relationship between stress wave velocities of green and dry veneer
- Soltis, Lawrence A.; Ross, Robert J.; Windorski, Daniel E.. 1997. Effect of fiberglass reinforcement on the behavior of bolted wood connections
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Green, David W.; Englund, Karl; Wolcott, Michael. 2000. Nondestructive evaluation for sorting red maple logs
- Wang, Xiping; Simpson, William T.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Ross, Robert J.. 2002. Kiln drying maple for structural uses
- Wang, Xiping; Wacker, James P.; Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Vatalaro, Robert. 2005. Development of flexural vibration inspection techniques to rapidly assess the structural health of timber bridge systems
- Emerson, Robert; Pollock, David; McLean, David; Fridley, Kenneth; Ross, Robert; Pellerin, Roy. 2001. Ultrasonic inspection of a glued laminated timber fabricated with defects
- Wang, Xiping; Divos, Ferenc; Pilon, Crystal; Brashaw, Brian K.; Ross, Robert J.; Pellerin, Roy F.. 2004. Assessment of decay in standing timber using stress wave timing nondestructive evaluation tools : a guide for use and interpretation
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Green, David W.; Brashaw, Brian; Englund, Karl; Wolcott, Michael. 2004. Stress wave sorting of red maple logs for structural quality
- Illman, Barbara L.; Yang, Vina W.; Ross, Robert J.; Nelson, William J.. 2002. Nondestructive evaluation of oriented strand board exposed to decay fungi.
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Verhey, Steven A.; Forsman, John W.; Erickson, John R.. 2003. Flexural properties of laminated veneer lumber manufactured from ultrasonically rated red maple veneer : a pilot study.
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Carter, Peter. 2005. Acoustic evaluation of standing trees : recent research development
- Wang, Xiping; Ross, Robert J.; Soltis, Lawrence Andrew. 2002. Nondestructive structural evaluation of wood floor systems with a vibration technique.
- Cai, Zhiyong; Hunt, Michael O.; Ross, Robert J.; Soltis, Lawrence A.. 1999. Nondestructive methods for the structural evaluation of wood floor systems in historic buildings : preliminary results : abstract
- Wang, Xiping; Forsman, John W.; Erickson, John R.; Ross, Robert J.; Gardner, Douglas J.; McGinnis, Gary D.; DeGroot, Rodney C.. 1999. Assessment of the potential quality of preservative-treated pilings removed from service : abstract
- Ross, Robert J.; Willits, Susan W.; Von Segen, William; Black, Terry; Brashaw, Brian K.; Pellerin, Roy F.. 1999. A stress wave based approach to NDE of logs for assessing potential veneer quality: Part I small-diameter ponderosa pine.
- Schafer, Mark E.; Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.; Adams, Roy D.. 1999. Ultrasonic inspection and analysis techniques in green and dried lumber
- Risbrudt, Christopher D.; Ross, Robert J.; Blankenburg, Julie J.; Nelson, Charles A.. 2007. Forest Products Laboratory : supporting the nation's armed forces with valuable wood research for 90 years
- Wang, Xiping; Carter, Peter; Ross, Robert J.; Brashaw, Brian K.. 2007. Acoustic assessment of wood quality of raw forest materials : a path to increased profitability
- Green, David W.; White, Robert H.; TenWolde, Antoni; Simpson, William; Murphy, Joseph; Ross, Robert J.; Hernandez, Roland; Lebow, Stan T.. 2006. Wood
- Wang, Xiping; Stelzer, Henry E.; Wiedenbeck, Jan; Ross, Robert J.. 2007. Acoustic assessment of stress level and potential wood quality of logs affected by oak decline
- Wang, Xiping; Allison, R. Bruce; Wang, Lihai; Ross, Robert J.. 2007. Acoustic tomography for decay detection in red oak trees
Research Highlights
Nondestructive Assessment of Wood Members in a Viewing Tower in Potawatomi State Park, Door County, Wisconsin, USA
Year: 2019
USDA Forest Service scientists assessed the condition of a historic observation tower to determine if it could be enjoyed safely.
Bonding Mixed Species for Advanced Biomaterials
Year: 2018
Massive composite timbers, such as cross laminated timber (CLT), are essential for tall timber buildings that require use of locally available wood resources to reduce manufacturing costs and minimize environmental impacts. This opens a potential sustainable market for undervalued hardwood forest fe...
Effects of Silviculture Practices on the Engineering Properties of Northern Hardwood Species of the Lake States
Year: 2018
Wood quality is an important determinant of its end use and therefore its value. Recent proliferation of novel engineered wood products has created new potential uses for hardwood. However, a greater understanding of wood quality is needed to allow continued development of these novel wood products.
International Research Institute Formed to Address Utilization of Plantation Grown Biomaterials
Year: 2018
Leading wood scientists and engineers from around the globe formed an international group to address conservation issues surrounding historic trees and structures.
Scientists Develop New Tool to Detect Internal Decay in Trees
Year: 2016
Through collaboration with an industrial partner, the Forest Service’s Forest Products Laboratory helped develop a handheld tool to assist tree inspectors with detecting internal decay in standing trees.
Inspection Protocols Help Preserve Ancient Chinese Structures
Year: 2014
Forest Service scientists worked with Chinese scientists and engineers to develop inspection procedures to aid in the preservation and restoration of historically significant wood structures.
Assessment Manual for Timber Structures Helps Building Inspectors
Year: 2014
The Wood and Timber Condition Assessment Manual is an extremely valuable resource for wood design professionals. Forest Service scientists are leading experts in this field and are the "go-to source" for information regarding condition assessment. The new edition contains information on the latest ...
New Acoustic Technology Evaluates Wood Quality of Standing Trees
Year: 2013
Lack of techniques to assess the quality of standing trees results in inefficient allocation of timber resources and also limits the ability of forest managers to grow high-quality wood with appropriate silvicultural treatments. To address the problem, Forest Products Laboratory researchers and thei...
Heat treating wooden ammunition pallets for invasive species
Year: 2011
Wood pallets serve as support for munitions loads and other military supplies transported within the continental U.S. and internationally. Despite this integral transport function, wood pallets have been identified as a major pathway for the introduction and spread of non-native invasive insect spec...
Centennial Edition, Wood Handbook—Wood as an Engineering Material
Year: 2010
The Wood Handbook—Wood as an Engineering Material serves as a primary reference document for a wide variety of users-from the general public through architects and design engineers who use wood in highly engineered structures.
America's Iconic Covered Bridges Documented With As Built Records
Year: 2012
Laser scanning technology provides details of historic covered timber bridges
Making the Most of Beetle-Killed Trees
Year: 2012
New manual gives land managers a variety of options for beetle-killed trees