New BM TRADA timber strength testing demo at Timber Expo

BM TRADA show of strength at ‘Live Zone’

BM TRADA’s new timber strength testing demonstration model will draw the crowds at Timber Expo taking place as part of UK Construction Week at NEC Birmingham, 6-11 October

The expanded show offering means BM TRADA can showcase its timber expertise to a wider audience via its 100m² ‘Live Zone’.

Each activity will last around 20 minutes plus time for questions

• no need to book – delegates just turn up five minutes before the start of each session

Timber strength testing demo

• fully functioning timber strength testing demonstration model will test the strength of various pieces of timber
• including timber samples containing knots, slope of grain and even pieces with holes in
• helps to demonstrate failure modes of timber beams based on different type of timber defects

The new model is based on the principles of the full size beam testing machines used at BM TRADA. These full size machines are used for testing the strength of solid timber joists and beams, as well as engineered wood products, such as I joists and metal web joists.

Visitors to BM TRADA’s stand will see first-hand a demonstration of how beams are placed into the machine and a gradually increasing load is applied until it breaks. From that, the strength of the beam can be ascertained and the failure mode analysed.

Delegates will also be given the opportunity to view the increasing load on a monitor which will clearly demonstrate the strength characteristics of each piece of timber.

International testing, inspection, certification and compliance

BM TRADA visitors will be able to learn about its wide range of timber related services, from timber frame inspection, and timber condition and structural surveys to fire and security testing of timber doors and windows.

BM TRADA’s technical experts will demonstrate in dramatic fashion elements of the PAS 24 test on an enhanced security timber window, as well as the difference in performance between two seemingly identical timber fire doors in a 30 minute fire test that will be streamed live from the company’s laboratory at High Wycombe into the exhibition hall.

Timber-frame construction

• discover the intricacies of timber-frame construction with a scaled down version of a timber-frame house
• cut away sections showing important detailing including cladding and insulation

Timber species identification demonstrations

Visitors will also be able to witness first hand timber species identification demonstrations, examining different species and demonstrating the methods employed to verify the wood species in a product, as well as get an introduction into the intricacies of timber strength grading – and the difference in approach between softwood and hardwood.

Timber Expo is a key part of UK Construction Week

New owners Media 10 are now running Timber Expo as a key part of UK Construction Week, bringing together nine construction-focused events taking place under one roof.

Exova BM TRADA,
Chiltern House,
Stocking Lane,
Hughenden Valley,
High Wycombe,
Buckinghamshire,
HP14 4ND

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