Nondestructive evaluation of potential quality of creosote-treated piles removed from service

Stress-wave-based nondestructive evaluation methods were used to evaluate the potential quality and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of wood from creosote-treated Douglas-fir and southern pine piles removed from service. Stress-wave measurements were conducted on each pile section. Stress-wave propagation speeds were obtained to estimate the MOE of the wood. Tests were then conducted on octagonal cants, boards, and small clear specimens obtained from piles and cants. Regression analyses gave a reasonably useful correlation between the stress-wave-based MOE of piles and cants and the corresponding flexural properties of boards and small clear specimens determined by transverse vibration and static bending techniques, respectively. The results show that wood from creosote-treated piles removed from service has the potential for use in exterior structural applications.