Title

Characterization and Modelling of the Mechanical Behaviour of Hardwood Species for Their Valorization in Structural Timber and Engineered Wood Products.

Abstract

In the context of France’s carbon neutrality targets for 2050, the structural valorization of French hardwoods represents a major challenge. Their high anatomical and mechanical variability nevertheless limits their grading, which is still largely based on criteria developed for softwoods. This thesis, conducted within the FEUILLUS CHOC project (ADEME), investigates six French hardwood species and explores the contribution of non-destructive characterization methods, particularly fiber orientation (FO) measured through the tracheid effect. The research is structured around four main areas: multicriteria assessment of structural potential, mechanical characterization of hornbeam through tensile and bending tests, automated cross-cutting of oak based on FO measurements with a scanner, and analysis of the effect of local stiffness distribution on finger-jointed and edge-glued oak laminations. The results show that FO is a relevant indicator of strength and can improve timber grading and cross-cutting strategies.

Examination Committee

• Laurent BLERON, Professor, LERMAB, ENSTIB – Reviewer
• Philippe GRÖNQUIST, Junior Professor, Universität Stuttgart – Reviewer
• Delphine JULLIEN, Professor, LMGC, Université de Montpellier – Examiner
• Guillaume POT, Associate Professor, HDR, LaBoMaP, Arts et Métiers – PhD Supervisor
• Joffrey VIGUIER, Associate Professor, LaBoMaP, Arts et Métiers – Co-supervisor
• Bertrand MARCON, Research Engineer, LaBoMaP, Arts et Métiers – Co-supervisor

Practical Information

Location
Amphithéâtre II Zimberlin
Arts et Métiers Campus, Cluny
13 rue Porte de Paris
71250 Cluny, France

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Further Information

Find out more about the PhD candidate:
View Delin SOH MBOU’s profile