Mind-Mapping Assessment of Reuse Potential of Glulam: An Experimental Study

Abstract

The goal of this work is to suggest a method for assessing the state of salvaged glued laminated timber and deciding whether it is appropriate for reuse. After conducting a thorough analysis of the wood pathology, a decision tree mind map was created. This was followed by the application of this methodology to evaluate a salvaged glulam frame obtained from a demolition site. To ensure the reliability of this approach, laboratory-based ex situ tests were carried out. A working protocol was established for obtaining a sample of the salvaged timber, and its characteristics were identified by examining the species, density, type of adhesive and its shear resistance, as well as the mechanical properties in the bending of both single and double laminates of timber. The results concluded that the glulam under investigation can be reused. The results revealed that the wood was spruce, with a density of 420 ± 45 kg/m3 under dry conditions. The glue used was melamine–urea–formaldehyde with a shear strength of 7.37 ± 1.79 MPa, which is below the standard threshold. The results of the bending strength and modulus of elasticity show that the single laminations and glulam are class C16 and class GL20H, respectively.