BPI Seminar by Dr. Sardar Malek
January 19, 2023, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
TITLE
The Role of Adhesives in Dimensional Stability of Laminated Wood Composites
ABSTRACT
The use of laminated wood composites such as laminated veneer lumber (LVL), cross-laminated timber (CLT), and glued-laminated timber (GLT) in the construction of mass timber buildings has attracted significant attentions in the past two decades. The popularity of wood composite products has recently increased among engineers and architects, mainly due to the environmental advantages of wood in the construction of greener buildings with lower carbon footprints. Despite the wide usage of laminated wood composite products in the construction of taller mass timber buildings, a stumbling block to some developers is still the sensitivity of wood’s mechanical properties to variations of environmental conditions and development of warpage and checks in such sustainable products. To better understand the effect of different parameters on durability of such products, a comprehensive experimental–numerical study has been conducted. Some key findings such as the effects of adhesive’s diffusivity and the mismatch between wood and adhesive mechanical properties will be presented. For the first time, the significant role of adhesive characteristics in moisture-induced stresses and long-term deformation caused by small temperature and moisture variations is elucidated. Future studies in collaboration with material scientists and polymer engineers are recommended to engineer novel adhesives with optimized characteristics for developing more durable bio-based composite products.
AGENDA
- Introduction by Dr. Yasmine Abdin
- Keynote Presentation by Dr. Sardar Malek, University of Victoria
- Q&A / Discussion
*Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Sardar Malek is an assistant professor of civil engineering at the University of Victoria (UVic). Prior to UVic, he was a lecturer in the school of civil and environmental engineering at University of Technology Sydney (Australia) and postdoctoral associate in the department of materials science and engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Malek’s research involves multi-scale mechanics of sustainable composite materials and bioinspired design of cellular composites. In addition to research and teaching, he has provided consultancy services to reputable companies on the use of engineered wood products in mass timber projects across North America and Australia.