Research Project: Pilot Level Research and Development of Durable Engineered Decking, Matting Properties and Standards, and In-Service RR Tie Assessments.

Location: Nutrition, Food Safety/Quality

Project Number: 0500-00090-001-011-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jul 1, 2024
End Date: Jun 30, 2027

Objective:
• Research and development of new evaluation and grading techniques, material properties, standardization, speciation, and best practices for safe and environmentally compliant wood based matting products. • Research and development of novel laminated and treated industrial decking products. • Research and development of nondestructive technologies wood railway ties particularly those in track.

Approach:
Work with production and right of way stakeholders in support of developing structural and allowable properties of timber mats. Identify roadblocks to implementation of structural evaluation and grading of mats and mat timbers. Develop nondestructive evaluation technologies for wood railway ties. Research and develop treated engineered truck and trailer decking technology. Cooperate with USDA Forest Products Laboratory as a technical advisor.