Connie S. Love

Long-term performance of fused borate rods for limiting internal decay in Douglas-fir utility poles

Abstract The ability of boron to diffuse from fused boron rods into surrounding wood was investigated on pentachlorophenol-treated Douglas-fir poles. Boron readily diffused into the wood surrounding the treatment holes and was present at protective levels in most poles within 1 year after application. The protected zone was generally confined to the treatment zone. Effective levels of boron were still present in this zone 15 years after treatment. Attempts to correlate the presence of decay fungi with residual boron levels indicated that these fungi were sometimes present in zones with boron at the lower threshold level of 0.5 kg m-3 boric acid equivalent (BAE), but most of the isolations could be explained by localized variations in distribution. Boron rods provided excellent long term protection against internal decay in Douglas-fir poles.

Effect of inspection holes on flexural properties of Douglas-fir utility poles

Abstract Routine inspection of wood utility poles to detect internal decay involves drilling holes at or about the ground line. While these holes are useful for detecting internal decay, their pres...

Fumigant Treatment of Douglas-Fir Bridge Timbers

Abstract The residual protective effect of sodium n-methyldithiocarbamate (NaMDC) fumigant was investigated in Douglas-fir timbers in a bridge in western Oregon using fungal colonization and levels...

Performance of boron/fluoride rod for internal remedial treatment of Douglas-fir poles

Abstract The ability of boron and fluoride to migrate from a boron/fluoride rod was investigated over a 15 year period in Douglas-fir pole sections. Both components readily moved through the wood, but boron tended to be present at higher levels over the test reflecting the much higher boron content of the rods. The overall chemical levels suggested that higher dosages would be needed to more fully protect Douglas-fir poles.

Effect of silicon/paraffin treatment on dimensional stability of red oak, douglas-fir, and ponderosa pine

Abstract Red oak, Douglas-fir, and ponderosa pine lumber was treated with a silicon/paraffinic system to assess the ability of the treatment to limit dimensional changes and moisture uptake during ...

Metal accumulation in root crops grown in planters constructed from copper azole treated lumber

Preservative treated wood is often used to construct planters, but there are concerns about components migrating from the wood into the surrounding soil where they might be selectively absorbed by plants. Potential for selective accumulation was evaluated by growing radishes, carrots and potatoes in copper azole (CA) treated Douglas-fir planters. Copper levels were higher in soil adjacent to CA treated wood, but did not differ in roots or tubers grown in treated or non-treated wood. Copper levels were elevated in carrot foliage which is not normally consumed.

Effects of End Plates on Reducing Checking of Pentachlorophenol-Treated Douglas-Fir Crossarms

Abstract The effect of metal end plates on reducing checking of pentachlorophenol-treated Douglas-fir crossarms was evaluated over 13 wet–dry cycles. Check development was variable over the first three to four cycles, and then steadily increased for both plated and nonplated ends of arms; however, both the number of checks and the maximum width of the checks were significantly lower on plated ends. The results suggest that end plating reduces the potential for deep check development in crossarms that could lead to early failure.

Effect of Initial Preservative Treatment on Electrical Conductivity in Douglas-Fir Pole Sections

The effect of copper naphthenate treatment on electrical resistance of Douglas-fir utility poles was compared with similar poles either left untreated or treated with pentachlorophenol (penta). Penta-treated and untreated wood had similar electrical resistance shortly after treatment and after a 3-month outdoor weathering period. Electrical resistance of copper naphthenate–treated wood was more variable but consistently greater, indicating that poles treated with this chemical would not pose an increased risk to utility personnel working on them.

Effect of copper on long-term performance of dazomet as an internal remedial treatment in Douglas-fir poles.

A solid, crystalline fumigant (dazomet) with and without a supplemental copper compound was evaluated as an internal decay control treatment on Douglas-fir poles in two long-term field tests. Methylisothiocyanate (MITC), the decomposition product of dazomet, was used as a measure of effectiveness. MITC levels in the wood were above the threshold near the groundline application zone within 1 year after treatment. MITC levels above the groundline were much lower, suggesting that the treatment zone would need to be extended to produce protection in these higher zones. The addition of copper sulfate markedly increased MITC levels. Copper naphthenate was slightly less effective as a dazomet accelerant, but slightly better than dazomet alone. The results indicate that dazomet treatment remains at protective levels for 10 to 12 years. This range is well within the typical inspection cycle used by most North American utilities.