Grantee Research Project Results
Green Oak as a Sustainable Building Material
EPA Grant Number: SU835729Title: Green Oak as a Sustainable Building Material
Investigators: Shelton, Ted , French, Robert C. , Taylor, Adam M , Bennett, Richard M , Retherford, Jennifer , Stuth, Tricia
Current Investigators: Shelton, Ted , French, Robert C. , Taylor, Adam M , Bennett, Richard M , Collett, Brad , Retherford, Jennifer , Schwartz, John , Stuth, Tricia
Institution: University of Tennessee
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: II
Project Period: October 1, 2014 through August 14, 2016 (Extended to July 31, 2017)
Project Amount: $90,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet - Phase 2 (2014) Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Challenge Area - Sustainable and Healthy Communities , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
The primary objectives in Phase II are:
- To develop, detail, and construct a full-scale building using green oak pallet cants as structural members.
- To monitor, record, and analyze the demonstration project for structural, acoustic, and thermal performance over a two-year period as the green oak members dry.
- To disseminate our findings widely through multiple digital media platforms, peer reviewed publications, design award programs, and programs recognizing the integration of pedagogy and practice.
Approach:
The objectives of Phase II will be explored through the design and construction of a full-scale demonstration project using green oak pallet cants as structural members. The demonstration project will be monitored for a period of two years during which time the green oak frame will fully dry. Monitoring will include frequent examination of joints for structural integrity, examination of interior details for acoustical performance, and examination of exterior details for thermal performance – all of which are challenged by the shrinking of the green oak structural members as they dry. Of secondary interest will be the performance of the untreated green oak siding cut from the cants. Weathering of the siding will be monitored visually and with moisture meters.Expected Results:
The full-scale demonstration project will serve both to validate the findings in Phase I and as a critical built example that will facilitate adoption of green oak pallet cant technology by design professionals and building code officials.Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 2 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
built environment, forest products, energy efficiency, embodied energy, housing, green design, environmentally benign substitute, conservation, design for the environment, green building, alternative construction material, architectural designRelevant Websites:
Phase 1 AbstractPhase 1 Final Report
Progress and Final Reports:
P3 Phase I:
Green Oak as a Sustainable Building Material | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.