Recovered wood as raw material for structural timber products. Characteristics, situation and study cases: Ireland and Spain

Abstract

The circular economy is an efficient system to reuse materials reducing the amount of waste generated. In order to implement it in the timber sector, the InFutUReWood (Innovative Design for the Future Use and Reuse of Wood (Building) Components) is a European project studying the possibilities for reuse and recycling of timber from demolition for structural applications. Nowadays in Ireland and Spain, most of the wood waste is reduced to chips. In Ireland, chips are mainly used for energy production, pallet blocks, and composting, while in Spain are used for energy production and particleboard manufacture.

Possible structural applications depend on the amount, dimensions, and condition of recovered timber. Most of the recovered timber in Ireland has medium size cross-sections, while in Spain it is mainly large cross-section. Cross laminated timber (CLT) is a good option for reuse and experimental tests are ongoing in Ireland on CLT manufactured from old timber trusses. However, for large cross-sections, direct reuse for rehabilitation works will be a more efficient use of the material.