Faculty and graduate students in BCT regularly publish in scientific journals, trade journals, conference proceedings, and other publications. You can find a list of those articles below, sorted by date of publication:

2022

2020

  • Bahmanzad A, Clouston P, Arwade S, Schreyer A. 2020. “Shear Properties of Symmetric Angle-ply Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) Panels.” ASCE Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 32 (9).

  • Bahmanzad, A, Clouston P, Arwade S, & Schreyer A. 2020. “Shear Properties of Eastern Hemlock with Respect to Fiber Orientation for Use in Cross Laminated Timber.” ASCE Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 32(7), 04020165.

  • Kaboli H, Clouston P, Lawrence S. 2020. “Feasibility of Two Northeastern Species in three-layer ANSI Approved Cross Laminated Timber.” ASCE Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. 32(3), 04020006

  • Srinivasan Iyengar, Stephen Lee, David Irwin, Prashant Shenoy, and Benjamin Weil. 2020. “WattScale: A Data-driven Approach for Energy Efficiency Analytics of Buildings at Scale.” ACM Trans. Data Sci. 1, 1, Article 1 (January 2020), 25 pages.

  • Malatsi P, Fuller T, Campbell S, Dreyer J, Fiocchi J, Fiocchi LC, Fuller D, Fuller M, Hazzard A, Siervert P. & Griffin C. 2020. “Honey Badger Mellivora capensis predation on an African Sharptooth Catfish in the Okavango Delta, Botswana.” Small Carnivore Conservation. 58.
  • Elton, Alexander J., Benjamin S. Weil, and Richard W Harper. 2020. “The Worcester Tree Initiative: A community NGO at the Center of Reclaiming an Urban Forest.” Arborist News. August, pp. 34-37.

2019

  • Clouston P. 2019. Chapter 6.5 Timber and Concrete. In book: Off-site and Industrialized Timber Construction. Delivering Quality and Efficiency (2nd edition). Publisher: BM TRADA. ISBN 978-1-909594-81-4.

  • Brause C; Clouston P; Darling N. 2019. 2019 BTES Conference Proceedings Integration + Innovation, Proceedings of Building Technology Educator’s Society Conference: Vol. 2019, Amherst, MA. Available at: https://scholarworks.umass.edu/btes/vol2019/iss1/56 
  • Schreyer A, Clouston P. 2019. “J.W. Olver Design Building – A Case Study of a US Mass Timber Building.” Wood Design Focus Journal. pp. 10
  • Khoshbakht N, Clouston P, Arwade SR, Schreyer AC. 2019. “Evaluation of ASTM D5764 Dowel Connection Tests for Laminated Veneer Bamboo (LVB).” ASTM Journal of Testing and Evaluation, 47(4).

  • Romero F, & Andery P. 2019. “A Conceptual Model to Capital Projects Conception based on Front-End Loading and Lean Concepts.” 55th Associated Schools of Construction Conference Proceedings.

2018

  • Kaboli, H, & Clouston, PL. 2018. “Eastern Hemlock in Bamboo-Reinforced Glulam.” Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 31(1), 04018335.
  • Khoshbakht N, Clouston PL, Arwade SR, Schreyer AC. 2018. “Evaluation of ASTM D5764 Dowel Connection Tests for Laminated Veneer Bamboo (LVB)” ASTM Journal of Testing and Evaluation, in press
  • Al-Sammari, A. T., Clouston, P. L., & Breña, S. F. (2018). “Finite-Element Analysis and Parametric Study of Perforated Steel Plate Shear Connectors for Wood–Concrete Composites”. Journal of Structural Engineering144(10), 04018191.

2017

  • Khoshbakht, N., Clouston, P.L., Arwade, S.R., Schreyer, A.C. (2017) “Computational Modeling of Laminated Veneer Bamboo (LVB) Dowel Connections“. ASCE Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 30 (2)
  • Fiocchi,  L.C., Schreyer, A., Clouston, P.L. 2017. “A New Teacher on Campus“. Learning by Design, Fall 2017.
  • Elmes, A., Andrews, M., Rogan, J., Martin, D., Williams, C., Weil, B. (2017). Mapping land surface temperature variability across the urban gradient in Worcester, Massachusetts using in situ thermochrons and Landsat- 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) data., Applied Geography
  • Koh, R. S., & Clouston, P. (2017). “In-Plane Shear Properties of Laminated Wood from Tension and Compression Tests of Angle-Ply Laminates”. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 29(11), 04017214.
  • Amini A, Arwade SR, & Clouston PL. 2017. “Modeling the Effect of Void Shapes on the Compressive Behavior of Parallel-Strand Lumber.” ASCE Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering29(9), 04017129.
  • Brojan L., Clouston PL. 2017. “Straw Bale Building and its Economic Perspective” Open House International, 42, No. 1, pp. 23-28.
  • Pavlova-Gillham, L. and Swinford, D. (2017) “Becoming Sustainable in Our Own Way: Sustainability at the Flagship Massachusetts Public University”. In Leal Filho, W., Mifsud, M., Shiel, C., Pretorius, R. (Eds.) Handbook of Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development in Higher Education. Volume 3. Springer, Berlin.

2016

  • Clouston, P., Schreyer, A. 2016. UMass Design Building: A Catalyst for Regional Change. World Conference on Timber Engineering, Vienna, Austria.
  • Hoque, S., & Weil, B. (2016). The Relationship Between Comfort Perceptions and Academic Performance in University Classroom Buildings. Journal of Green Building, 11(1), 108-117
  • Tabatabaee, S, and Weil, B. (2016). Definition and Frameworks for a Life-Cycle Negative Growth Rate for Energy and Carbon in an Academic Campus. Handbook of Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development in Higher Education, vol 6, Springer.
  • Witayakran S., Smitthipong W., Wangpradid R., Chollakup R., Clouston PL. 2016. “Natural Fiber Composites: Review of Recent Automotive Trends”. In: Saleem Hashmi (Editor-in-Chief). Reference Module in Materials Science and Materials Engineering, Oxford: Elsevier; p.1-9

2015

  • Brojan L., Weil B., Clouston PL. 2015. Air Tightness of Straw Bale Construction. Journal of Green Building, Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 99-113
  • Hoque, S. and Weil, B. (2015). The relationship between comfort perceptions and academic performance in university classroom buildings. Journal of Green Building,
  • Hoque, S. and Iqbal, N. (2015). Building to Net Zero in a Developing World. Buildings, 5(1), 56-68.
  • Tabatabaee, S., Weil, B. and Aksamija, A. (2015) Negative Life-Cycle Emissions Growth Rate through Retrofit of Existing Institutional Buildings. Proceedings of Architecture Research Centers Consortium: FUTURE of Architectural Research, Chicago: 212 – 221

2014

  • Amini A., Arwade SR., Clouston PL, Rattanaserikiat S. 2014. Characterization and Probabilistic Modeling of the Mesostructure of Parallel Strand Lumber. ASCE – Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)MT.19435533.0001116
  • Brojan, L., Clouston, PL. 2014. Effect of Plaster Type and Loading Orientation on Compression Behavior of Straw Bales for Construction. Journal of Engineering & Applied Sciences,9(9)
  • Disén, K. and Clouston P. 2014. Building with Bamboo: a Review of Culm Connection Technology. Journal of Green Building, 8(4), 83-93
  • Yang Z, Clouston P, and Arwade S R. 2014. Torsional Shear Strength and Size Effect in Laminated Veneer Lumber. Advances in Civil Engineering Materials, Vol.3, No. 1, pp. 1–11
  • Fiocchi, L.C., Hoque, S., Weil, B. (2014). Improving Accuracy of Building Energy Modeling Simulation Programs with Weather File Compensation Factors. ASHRAE Transactions – 2014 Annual Conference – Seattle, vol. 120, part 2.
  • Mostafavi, N., Farzinmoghadam, M., and Hoque, S. (2014). A Framework for Integrated Urban Metabolism Analysis Tool (IUMAT). Building and Environment, 82(0), 702-712.
  • Beauregard, S., Hoque, S., Fisette, P. and Weil, B. (2014). Is Boston Building Better: An evaluation of green building policy. Journal of Green Building, 9(3), 131-150.
  • Schreyer, A. 2014. 3D Modeling and Virtual Mockup Building as Teaching Tools in AEC Materials and Methods Curricula. ASC 50th Annual International Conference held in conjunction with the CIB Workgroup 89 – March 26-28, 2014 in Washington, DC

2013

  • Clouston P. and Quaglia C. 2013. Experimental Evaluation of Epoxy based Wood-Concrete Composite Floor Systems for Mill Building Renovations. International Journal of the Constructed Environment, Vol. 3, pp.63-74
  • Yang, Z., Clouston, P., and Schreyer, A. 2013. Torsional Shear Tests on Laminated Veneer Lumber using a Universal-type Test Machine. ASCE Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 25 (12)
  • Mostafavi, N., Farzinmoghadam, M., and Hoque, S. (2013). Envelope Retrofit Analysis using eQuest, IESVE Revit Plug-in and Green Building Studio: a University Dormitory Case Study. International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 1-20.
  • Mostafavi, N., Farzinmoghadam, M., Hoque, S., and Weil, B. (2013). Integrated Urban Metabolism Analysis Tool (IUMAT). Urban Policy and Research, 1-17.
  • Krem, M., Hoque, S., Arwade, S., and Breña, S. (2013). Structural Configuration and Building Energy Performance. Journal of Architectural Engineering, 19(1), 29-40.
  • Weil, B. (2013) Solar city, bike city, growth city: governance and energy in Davis, California. Journal of Political Ecology, vol 20, 137-158.

2012

  • Clouston, P., Schreyer, A. 2012. “Experimental Evaluation of Connector Systems for Wood-Concrete Composite Floor Systems in Mill Building Renovations“. The International Journal of the Constructed Environment, Vol. 2
  • Mahdavi M, Clouston P, Arwade S. 2012. “A Low-technology Approach toward Development of Laminated Bamboo Lumber”, Elsevier: Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 29, pp. 257–262
  • Damery, D., Webb, J., Danylchuk, A., and Hoque, S. (2012). Natural Systems in Building Integrated Aquaculture. In S. Hernandez and C.A. Brebbia (Eds.), Design and Nature VI (pp. 87-93), Southampton, UK: WIT Press.
  • Fiocchi, L.C., McCusker, K., Weil, B. (2012). Holdsworth Retrofit and Renovation. University of Massachusetts-Amherst Facilities
  • Hoque, S. (2012). Building Energy Simulation Tools for Retrofitting Residential Structures. Energy Engineering, 109(3), 53-74.
  • Hoque S., Webb, J., and Danylchuk, A. (2012). Building Integrated Aquaculture: can holistic designs increase system efficiencies and make recirculating aquaculture more successful in the northeastern United States? ASHRAE Journal, 54(2), 16-24.

2011

  • Mahdavi M, Clouston P, Arwade S. 2011. “Development of Laminated Bamboo Lumber: a review of processing, performance and economical considerations.” ASCE, Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, Vol. 23, No. 7, July 1, pp. 1036-1042
  • Arwade S, Clouston P, Krupka M. 2011. “Length Effects in the Orthogonal Directions of Structural Composite Lumber.” ASTM Journal of Testing and Evaluation, Vol. 39, Issue 4, July
  • Clouston, P., Schreyer, A. 2011. “Truss plates for use as shear connectors in Laminated Veneer Lumber – concrete composite systems“. Proceedings, 2011 ASCE SEI Structures Congress, Las Vegas, NV, USA
  • Fiocchi, L.C. and Hoque, S. (2011). Sustaining Modernity: An Analysis of a Modern Masterpiece, The Gropius House. Proceedings for the 13th Canadian Conference on Building Science and Technology, Winnipeg, Canada: NBEC.
  • Fiocchi, L.C., Shahadat, M., and Hoque, S. (2011). Climate Responsive Design and the Milam Residence. Sustainability 2011, 3, 2289-2306;
  • Beauregard, S., Berkland, S., and Hoque, S. (2011). Ever Green: A Post-Occupancy Building Performance Analysis of LEED Certified Homes in New England. The Journal of Green Building, 6(4), 138-145.

2010

  • Reed T, Clouston P, Hoque S, Fisette P. 2010. “An analysis of LEED and BREEAM assessment methods for educational institutions.” Journal of Green Building, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 1-23
  • Arwade S, Winans R, Clouston P. 2010. “Variability of the compression strength of parallel strand lumber.” Journal of Engineering Mechanics, Vol. 136, No. 4, April 1, pp. 405-412
  • Hoque, S. (2010). Zero Energy Homes in New England: An Evaluation of Two Homes in the Northeastern United States. The Journal of Green Building, 5(2), 79-90.

2009

  • Arwade S, Clouston P, Winans R. 2009. “Measurement and stochastic computational modeling of the elastic properties of parallel strand lumber.” Journal of Engineering Mechanics, Vol. 135, No.9, 2009, p. 897-905
  • Hoque, S. and Sharma, A. (2009). Tools for sustainable development: A comparison of building performance simulation packages. In C.A. Brebbia, N. Jovanovic, & E. Tiezzi (Eds.), Management of Natural Resources, Sustainable Development and Ecological Hazards II (pp. 53-64), Southampton, UK: WIT Press.
  • Hoque, S. and Moore, E. (2009). Floodspace: Case Studies in Adapting to Climate Change-Related Flooding in Bangladesh. International Journal of Climate Change, 1(2), 27-36.
  • Schreyer, A., Hoque, S. 2009. “Interactive 3D Visualization of Building Envelope Systems Using Infrared Thermography and SketchUp“. Proceedings, Inframation 2009, Las Vegas, NV, USA

2008

2007

  • Clouston P. 2007. “Characterization and Strength Modeling of Parallel Strand Lumber”. Journal Holzforschung, Vol. 61, pp. 394-399
  • Damery D, Clouston P, Fisette P. 2007 “Wood science education in a changing world: A case study of the UMASS-Amherst building materials & wood technology program, 1965-2005”. Forest Products Journal. 57(5) pp. 19-24

Older

Archive:

A

Agriculture’s Hold on the Commonwealth (PDF) by David Holm, Daniel Lass, Richard Rogers and David Damery “Farming and forestry one industry, two sectors.”

Alternatives to Solid Wood Exterior Trim by Paul Fisette. There are other choices for exterior trim besides solid wood, but understanding how different materials perform and knowing their limitations is the key to satisfaction.

An Economic Valuation of Recreational Shellfishing on Cape Cod (PDF) Damery, David T. and P. Geoffrey Allen. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. November 2004.

A Stochastic Plasticity Approach to Strength Modeling of Strand-based Wood Composites (PDF) Clouston, P.; Lam, F. 2002. Composites Science and Technology, 62 (2002), pp. 1381-1395

B

Biomass Energy Crops:  Massachusetts’ Potential (PDF) by David Timmons, Geoff Allen, and David Damery
In Massachusetts, biomass energy has typically meant wood chips derived from the region’s extensive forest cover. Yet nationally, biomass energy from dedicated energy crops and from crop residues is thought to have significantly more potential than forest biomass energy (Perlack, Wright et al. 2005). One key feature of biomass energy crops is that they can have much higher energy yields per hectare than are available from the forest. Thus a relatively small amount of agricultural land might be used to produce a disproportionate amount of the Commonwealth’s biomass energy.

Bracing Foam-Sheathed Walls by Paul Fisette
If you’re building a foam-sheathed home: metal strap braces and 1″ x 4″ let-in braces won’t provide racking resistance equal to structural sheathing.

C

Calculating Loads on Headers and Beams by Paul Fisette
Understanding how loads are transferred through a structure and act on structural members is the first step to sizing headers and beams.

Case Studies of Farm and Forestry Community-based Programs (PDF) by David Holm, Daniel Lass, Richard Rogers and David Damery
The story of two innovative and successful community-based ventures in agriculture and forestry.

Cellulose Insulation – A Smart Choice by Paul Fisette
Cellulose insulation is a smart alternative to fiberglass. It provides a green, efficient, non-toxic, affordable thermal solution that’s worth considering.

Challenges & Opportunities for the Northeastern Forest Bioindustry (PDF) by Jeffrey Benjamin, Robert Lillieholm and David Damery
The seven states of the Northeastern U.S. (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont) have abundant forest resources and an established forest sector. The emerging bioindustry offers great opportunities in using these resources to offset energy needs, but realizing this potential will take a coordinated effort by both the public and private sectors. This paper examines the opportunities and challenges the Northeastern U.S. faces in using forest biomass as a feedstock for the emerging forest based bioindustry.

Choosing Between Oriented Strandboard and Plywood by Paul Fisette
Manufacturers of oriented strandboard and plywood claim both products work well. But using panels made of wood chips makes some builders nervous. Like it or not, osb will define the future of the structural sheathing market.

Common Failures in Wood Structures by Paul Fisette
Call-backs cost money and challenge a builder’s reputation. Prevention is always the most cost-effective cure.

Computational Modeling of Strand-based Wood Composites (PDF) Clouston, P.; Lam, F. 2001. ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics , 127(8), 844-851

Controlling Termites and Carpenter Ants by Paul Fisette
If you live in the United States, you live under the constant threat of costly termite or carpenter ant infestation. The annual price tag associated with their destruction is conservatively estimated at $1.5 billion.

Cost of Quahog Seeding on Cape Cod (PDF) David T. Damery
Cape Cod municipal shellfish programs were surveyed over the summer of 2000 to assess the different methods used to purchase seed, grow-out, and deliver viable quahogs to their managed shellfish beds. A survey of town shellfish officers was conducted along with site visits and interviews.
Appendices
Appendix 2 – Survey Results Spreadsheet

Creating a Soundproof Office Paul Fisette & Daniel Pepin
A thoughtful, low-cost workshop conversion provides staff in an abutting office with a quiet work environment. Published in the Journal of Light Construction, April 2002.

Creating Your Web Site: Tips For Success by David Damery
Retail lumber dealers are increasingly turning to the Web to enhance sales. Helpful tips for website use and design are presented.

D

Decade of Innovation in Particleboard and Composite Materials, A: a content analysis of Washington State University’s International Particleboard/Composite Materials Symposium Proceedings (PDF) by James S. Peters, David T. Damery, and Peggi Clouston (Department of Natural Resources Conservation, University of Massachusetts)
The authors investigated the typology and characteristics of recent technology innovation in particleboard and composite materials. Conducting a cluster analysis of data derived from a content analysis of the International Particleboard/Composite Materials Symposium Proceedings, they identified four major clusters of like-type technology innovations – manufacturing, high technology, materials processing, and new products. Equipment makers dominated innovation in all four clusters, and “improved product quality” was the predominant source of economic benefits.

Decisionmaking in the Purchase of Siding: A Survey of Architects, Contractors and Homeowners in the U.S. Northeast (PDF) by David T. Damery and Paul Fisette
This study revealed that several issues control the selection and purchase of specific materials and products. Responses in this study defined existing market shares of wood and non-wood products in the Northeast region. Original publication, Forest Products Journal V.51 (7/8) p.29-36

Decoding Building Codes by Paul Fisette
Common sense and open lines of communication unravel the tangle of regulations that restrain many construction projects.

Details that Keep Walls Watertight by Paul Fisette
Careful detailing of house wrap and flashing connections will reduce maintenance and lengthen the working life of structural components in wood-frame structures.

Developing a Paperless Classroom by David T. Damery
Developing a Paperless Classroom: Fundraising Through Instruction A Case Study

Developing a Sustainable Forest Biomass Industry: Case of the US Northeast (PDF) by D. Damery, J. Benjamin, M. Kelty, and R. J. Lilieholm
Heightened interest in renewable energy has produced a spate of new research into the feasibility of forest biomass as a feedstock. The US Northeast is one of the few regions worldwide that supports both a large forest resource and a relatively high population density and hence energy demand. This paper outlines economic, ecological, and social considerations that must be addressed in order to achieve a sustainable forest biomass industry.  (Accepted for publication Proceedings ECOSUD 2009 Seventh International Conference on Ecosystems and Sustainable Development, 8 – 10 July 2009, Chianciano Terme, Italy)

Do I Lay Decking Bark-Side Up or Bark-Side Down? by Paul Fisette
A short answer to an often asked question.

E

Economic Viability of Ownerships in the Deerfield River Watershed (PDF) by Paul Catanzaro, David T. Damery, Anthony D’Amato and Christina Ferrare
The mostly forested landscapes of Massachusetts are owned primarily by tens of thousands of family forest owners. Every day, landowners make decisions about the future of their land. Often times these decisions arise suddenly and are made without the benefit of knowing their full suite of options.We developed a net present value (NPV) analysis over a 30-year period for ownerships of 15, 30, 60, and 150 acres for the Deerfield River Watershed for four forest conservation tools: timber management, timber management plus current use, timber management plus current use plus the sale of a conservation restriction, and the sale of a conservation restriction only.

Engineered Wood Products ­ – Building the Future (PDF) by David T. Damery
The Eastern Canadian and US Northeast Sections held a joint meeting in June with a wide range of speakers presenting on the topic of engineered wood. Fredericton, New Brunswick, a small city and university town on the banks of the Saint John River played host to 38 conference attendees.  The meeting consisted of a full day of technical sessions followed by a day of plant tours including the Norbord I-joist Plant and the J.D. Irving Nursery, both in Juniper, NB, and the Grand Lake Timber Mill in Chipman. (Originally published in Forest Prod. J.,56(7/8): 14-15 2006)

Energy from Forest Biomass:  Potential Economic Impacts in Massachusetts (PDF) by David Timmons, David Damery, Geoff Allen, and Lisa Petraglia
The regional economic impact analysis is one task of the Massachusetts Sustainable Forest Bioenergy Initiative, a multifaceted study of biomass energy potential in Massachusetts. The economic impact study looks specifically at impacts in the 5 western counties of the Commonwealth, where biomass energy development would likely occur.

Evaluating OSB for Coastal Roofs by Paul Fisette
After Hurricane Andrew, Florida code advisers ruled OSB sheathing inferior to plywood. Was the judgment too hasty? Evidence suggests that OSB performs well when fastened properly, but the jury is still out on impact resistance.

F

Family forest owner preferences for biomass harvesting in Massachusetts (PDF) by Marla Markowski-Lindsay, Thomas Stevens, David B. Kittredge, Brett J. Butler, Paul Catanzaro, David Damery U.S. forests, including family-owned forests, are a potential source of biomass for renewable energy. Family forest owners constitute a significant portion of the overall forestland in the U.S., yet little is known about family forest owners’ preferences for supplying wood-based biomass. The goal of this study is to understand how Massachusetts family forest owners feel about harvesting residual woody biomass from their property.

Finding and removing barriers to sustainable harvest and primary processing of Massachusetts native woods (PDF) by David T. Damery, Lava Yadav, and Yuxi Zhao
This project has specifically assembled and surveyed, in both focus group and written forms, relevant stakeholders in the Massachusetts’ forest products industry production and distribution chain. These groups include: forest landowners, foresters, loggers, sawmills, and wholesalers. Barriers to increased levels of harvest, production and sales of Massachusetts’ underutilized species have been identified. Gap analyses, comparing responses of adjacent members of the production and distribution chain, has been performed to highlight and quantify mis-perceptions regarding hurdles to increased production and sales.

Food Marketing and Lumber Processing in Massachusetts, 1958 to 1997 (PDF) by David Damery, David Holm, Daniel Lass, and Richard Rogers
“This paper examines the food and lumber processing industries in Massachusetts over the last four decades.”

Forest-based biomass supply in Massachusetts: How much is there and how much is available (PDF) Marla Markowski-Lindsay, Paul Catanzaro, David Damery, David B. Kitteredge, Brett J. Butler, Thomas Stevens, Journal of Environmental Management 106 (2012) 1-7,  Forest owners in Massachusetts (U.S.) live in a densely populated state and near forestland that is under pressure of development and characterized by small parcel size. Forest-based biomass harvesting in Massachusetts is a renewable energy topic generating a great deal of discussion among all constituents. To provide perspective on these discussions, our analysis asks how much forested land in Massachusetts could be available for biomass supply. This analysis considers the level of bioenergy production that could be maintained on an annual basis given the amount of woody biomass that is likely to be supplied from private- and state-owned Massachusetts forests, which comprises nearly 90% of the state’s forests.

From Trees to Flooring (PDF) by David Damery & Susan Campbell

This paper describes the results of a value added production project of the Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative, LLC. The process of converting standing timber into kiln dried lumber and flooring is detailed. Steps in the value added production chain are described including: management plan objectives, cutting plan, logging, sawmilling, drying and moulding of flooring. Volume estimates, quality, grade, process yields and costs are presented. Production and quality issues and the economic feasibility of extending this model are discussed. Other landowner groups considering value added processing as a way to increase economic returns will benefit from the data presented.

G

Getting Contractor Discounts by Paul Fisette and David Damery
Understanding dealer margins and market opportunities will help you negotiate the lowest material prices

Green Schools – Attributes for Health and Learning – by Paul Fisette, co-authored by 12 others.

H

Housewraps, Felt Paper and Weather Penetration Barriers by Paul Fisette
Siding isn’t weather-proof. A second line of defense is a critical component in smart weather-protecting wall designs.

Housing Within Reach: Innovations in Affordable Housing (PDF) by David T. Damery
The FPS-NE Section and the University of Massachusetts Architecture + Design Program hosted a two-day conference focusing on the topic of affordable housing this past February.  The conference brought together national figures in the design and development of affordable housing, developers, planners and other experts in the field.  They examined a range of issues including:  design innovations, zoning , new materials,  and technologies that shape the construction of affordable housing.   Over 180 individuals participated in the conference including students, academics, architects, builders, engineers, and zoning officials. (Originally published in Forest Prod. J., 56(6): 9-10 2006)

I

Incorporating Size Effects in the Tsai-Wu Strength Theory for Douglas-fir Laminated Veneer (PDF). Clouston, P.; Lam, F.; Barrett, J.D. 1998. Wood Science and Technology, 32, pp. 215-226

Insulating On the Outside byPaul Fisette
Wrapping a home with insulating sheathing saves energy and can be cost effective, but the design must consider a host of structural concerns including moisture, shear loads, insects and fire.

Interaction Term of Tsai-Wu Theory for Laminated Veneer (PDF). Clouston, P.; Lam, F.; Barrett, J.D. 1998. ASCE Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 10(2), pp. 112-116

L

Do LEED homes continue to be energy efficient as they age?
As told to Ingar Lindholm by Sandy Beauregard, Stephanie Berkland, and Simi Hoque
The article (published in a Swedish Energy and Environment Journal) discusses research on LEED certified homes in New England to determine whether they continued to perform at the level predicted during the certification process.

Landowner Driven Sustainable Forest Management and Value-Added Processing: A Case Study in Massachusetts, USA by David Damery

The Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative, LLC (MWC) is working to help members conduct sustainable forestry of the highest standards while increasing financial returns from harvest activities. The forests of Massachusetts, the third most densely populated state in the United States, are threatened. Decades of high grading and the threat of forest conversion to alternative use present challenges for maintaining a forested landscape. Despite being 60% forested Massachusetts imports approximately 98% of the wood fiber that its citizens consume.

Leaky Housewraps by Paul Fisette
Results from the most recent Building Materials Laboratory study show some housewraps may do little to block rain intrusion.

Life and Death of a Building Lot Subject to Perc by Paul Fisette
Soil experts think many percolation tests prevent contractors from building on suitable lots. Perhaps it’s time to look closer at our soils.

M

Massachusetts Directory of Sawmills & Dry Kilns – 2006 (PDF) by David T. Damery, Curt Bellemer & Gordon Boyce. “This directory contains listings for sawmills, portable bandmills and dry kilns located in Massachusetts.”

Massachusetts Directory of Sawmills & Dry Kilns – 2003 (PDF) by David T. Damery & Gordon Boyce. “This directory contains listings for sawmills, portable bandmills and dry kilns located in Massachusetts.”

Massachusetts Family Forests: Birth of a Landowner Cooperative (PDF) by Paul K. Barten, David Damery, Paul Catanzaro, Jennifer Fish, Susan Campbell, Adrian Fabos and Lincoln Fish
Published in the Journal of Forestry (vol. 99, no. 3) by the Society of American Foresters, 5400 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814-2198; www.safnet.org. Not for further publication.

O

OSB Prices and Industry Consolidation by David Damery – 2002

P

Preserving Trees During Construction by Paul Fisette and Dennis Ryan
Saving trees makes sense. It improves profit margins, builder reputation and sales. Careful planning, solid communication and a basic understanding of what keeps trees growing will make customers happy for a lifetime.

Preventing Ice Dams by Paul Fisette
Proper insulation and roof ventilation can stop ice dams from forming, prevent damage, and lower energy bills.

R

Reroofing and Residing to Save Energy by Paul Fisette
When it’s time to replace worn siding and roof coverings, you can recognize this as an opportunity to upgrade your home’s energy performance. Here are several options that can help you meet your goals for some roofs and wood siding rehabs.

S

Safe Scaffolds by Paul Fisette
Thousands of builders are injured every year as a result of scaffold failures. Typical failures prove that safety is an active choice.

Sizing Engineered Beams and Headers by Paul Fisette
Once the loads acting on structural beams are calculated, the next step is to size and select the appropriate beam.

Structural properties of pegged timber connections as affected by end distance“. by Burnett, David T., Peggi Clouston, David T. Damery, Paul Fisette

T

The Evolution of Engineered Wood I-Joists by Paul Fisette
For years engineered I-joists have been pricey framing options in high-end custom homes. Expanded product lines and competitive market forces now provide builders with high performance at entry-level cost.

The Market for Decking in the U.S. Northeast: A Survey of Architects, Contractors and Homeowners (PDF) by David T. Damery
Decking performance ranked highest among factors controlling the deck purchase decision.

The Massachusetts Woodlands Cooperative: Poised for Expansion
(PDF) by David T. Damery, Jay Healy, Susan Campbell, Arthur Eve
The forest of northern hardwoods, white pine and hemlock that blankets much of the western Massachusetts landscape is in reality a patchwork quilt of non-industrial family plots–about 220,000 of them in all, ranging in size from several dozen to several hundred acres. In 1999, a group of forest landowners recognized that a cooperative structure would enable them to strengthen their bargaining power, pool their resources, add value to their forest products, enrich the local economy, and maintain the region’s rural quality of life.

The Northeast Forest Bio-products Puzzle (PDF) by David Damery and Jeff Benjamin
Forest products industry, landowners, universities, equipment manufacturers and governments share an interest in the emerging bio-products market.  New and advanced uses of wood from the forests of the Northeast United States were discussed both formally and informally October 18-19, 2007 in Bangor,Maine.  (Originally published in Forest Prod. J. 57(11): 14-15, 2007)

The Residential Building Code – Test Your Understanding of Some Common Issues by Paul Fisette
When it’s time to replace worn siding and roof coverings, you can recognize this as an opportunity to upgrade your home’s energy performance. Here are several options that can help you meet your goals for some roofs and wood siding rehabs.

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Understanding Loads and Using Span Tables by Paul Fisette
Using span tables to size joists and rafters is a straight-forward process when you understand the structural principles that govern their use.

Urban Wood Waste: Maximizing Log Value for the Sawmill Market (PDF) by David T. Damery and Brian C. P. Kane
How arborists view the issue of “waste wood” is changing. The number of landfills has been steadily shrinking, while tipping fees at the remaining facilities are rising continually. Disposing of waste wood was once merely a time and labor factor, but now carries with it considerably more expense. Many arborists have adjusted to the higher cost of handling waste wood by looking for value-added markets for this material. Market, technology, and government factors outside the tree care industry are contributing to make it easier for arborists to find these markets, if the arborist knows how to handle the wood and what to look for. (Originally published in Arborist News, 14(3): 44-46)

Using E-Commerce in the Forest Products Industry David Damery
The forest products industry is rapidly adopting e-commerce solutions as it advances in the information age. In this chapter, the unique e-commerce needs of this sector’s small businesses are discussed

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Web Information Resources for Remodelers by David Damery
Reviews search techniques for remodeling contractors. Provides reviews of popular remodeling oriented sites.

Windows: Understanding Energy Efficient Performance by Paul Fisette
An update on how today’s high-tech windows work and what to look for when you make your next purchase.

Whose Woods are These? David Damery & Arthur Eve
Two years ago, a group of small forest landowners became convinced that the “problem” of many small, privately-owned parcels was in fact an opportunity, for them and for the region. Just as produce growers form agricultural cooperatives to strengthen their bargaining power, pool their resources, and add value to their products, so could forest growers use the co-op structure to help themselves and the local economy. Published in the Cooperative Life, Summer, 2001, pp.8-9

Wood Myths: Facts and Fictions About Wood by Paul Fisette
Setting the record straight on common misbeliefs about the material we use everyday.

Wood science education in a changing world: A case study of the UMASS-Amherst building materials & wood technology program, 1965-2005 (PDF) by David T. Damery, Peggi Clouston, and Paul R. Fisette
This paper discusses the historical and current day need for education in the area of building materials and wood technology as it relates to the economy of Massachusetts. A case study of the Building Materials and Wood Technology (BMATWT) Program – now Building and Construction Technology (BCT) – at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst is provided. The history of the program and economic and other forces affecting curriculum change are presented.

Wood Underlayment for Resilient Flooring by Paul Fisette
Proper selection and installation of underlayment materials paves the way for durable and attractive vinyl.

Wooden Grade Beams by Paul Fisette
A low-cost alternative to poured concrete foundation walls.