TEAGASC PHD WALSH FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The influence of silvicultural practice on the structural properties

of Irish timber
Ref Walsh Fellowship Number: 2015003
Background
The demands placed on forests to provide renewable raw material are continuously increasing, because
of the focus on sustainable development. Since forests, and consequently wood products, are expected
to sequester atmospheric carbon, an opportunity exists for the Irish wood products sector by the
utilisation of Irish timber in construction and novel engineered wood products. Forest management
practices are currently based on optimising production volume rather than structural quality.
Researchers at Teagasc have undertaken studies to determine the influence of various thinning
practices on the growth and development of the forest crop. However, there are no comprehensive
studies on the effect of silvicultural practices on the structural performance of Irish-grown Sitka Spruce.
Therefore, there is an urgent need to examine the mechanical and physical properties of timber from
logs obtained with different thinning treatments. This study will endeavour to correlate the structural
properties with different thinning systems in order to optimise silvicultural practices that will allow, in
future, an increase in yields of Irish-grown timber for construction purposes.
In the course of this study visual and machine grading of specimens will be undertaken. In addition, the
structural properties of a subset of the specimens will be determined from flexural testing. The
relationship between the boards mechanical and physical properties, thinning system, and growth rates
will be investigated. Statistical analysis of the results will be carried out to establish the variability in the
mechanical properties in relation to different thinning systems and growth rates. Models will be
developed to predict the structural behaviour of timber on the basis of the silvicultural system of the
forest from which the timber has been harvested. A forest life cycle cost analysis will be performed.
Requirements
Applicants must have a good primary degree (First or Second Class Honours Grade 1) or MSc in an
appropriate discipline (engineering, wood science, forestry or a related area). The ideal candidate will
have some knowledge of timber engineering and testing. The successful candidate should be highly
self-motivated and be prepared for laboratory work and extended periods of field work with modern
testing equipment.
Award
The PhD Fellowship is a joint research project between the Timber Engineering Research Group, College
of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) and Teagasc, Forestry
Development Dept., Athenry. The student will be based at the New Engineering Building, NUIG and will
be working under the supervision of Dr. Annette Harte in association with Dr. Karol Sikora and Teagasc
supervisor Dr. Niall Farrelly.
The fellowship of 22,000 is payable for a maximum of 4 years.
Further Information/Applications
Informal enquiries about the project may be made to: Dr. Annette Harte (annette.harte@nuigalway.ie);
Dr. Karol Sikora (karol.sikora@nuigalway.ie); Dr. Niall Farrelly (niall.farrelly@teagasc.ie).
Application Procedure
Submit via e-mail electronic copies (in MS Word or pdf only) of a covering letter, CV, and the contact
details of two referees to Dr. Annette Harte (annette.harte@nuigalway.ie) by 3rd June 2015.
This project will start 1st October 2015.