Norway spruce has recently passed muster from strength testing to be used for a number of construction applications. The species was approved by the American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) in October for use in home construction areas such as wall studs, floor and ceiling joists, and industrial applications.
It is the first new U.S.-grown softwood species to be fully tested for strength values since the initial process for assigning design values from testing of wood samples began in the 1920s.
Norway spruce samples were destructively tested, and lumber strength data was calculated for the entire spectrum of design values: Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Fiber Stress in Bending, Tension Parallel to Grain, Horizontal Shear, and Compression Parallel and Perpendicular to Grain.
Once cut into logs, Norway spruce is virtually indistinguishable from native eastern spruce species, with even the most experienced of graders not able to discern one species from the other, according to a press release from Northeaster Lumber Manufacturers Association.
About 50% of Norway spruce is located throughout New York State. The species can also be found in Maine, down into southern New England, and as far west as Wisconsin.
Related Stories
Wood | Feb 8, 2016
BEST IN WOOD: WoodWorks announces 2016 design award winners
The Aspen Art Museum, Scott Family Amazeum, and Whitetail Woods Regional Park Camper Cabins are among the projects honored by this year’s awards.
Wood | Feb 3, 2016
American Wood Council releases guide to wood construction in high wind areas
The guide is directed toward ensuring structural integrity to resist wind loads.
Wood | Jan 4, 2016
Concerns over new wood-frame, mid-rise residential building construction in Charlotte
Cheaper construction material may increase risk for firefighters.
Sponsored | Wood | Dec 7, 2015
Compelling conversations about wood: Engineered wood as expressive design
This installment features a wide-ranging discussion that reveals how a mix of engineered wood products lend themselves to expressive design — and what’s blocking today’s designers from fully embracing this aesthetic.
Wood | Nov 24, 2015
2015 Code Conforming Wood Design publication now available
Summarizes provisions in the 2015 International Building Code.
Sponsored | | Nov 20, 2015
Schooling the visitor
Exposed glulam and other engineered wood products help WSU tell its technology story
Architects | Oct 20, 2015
Four building material innovations from the Chicago Architecture Biennial
From lightweight wooden pallets to the largest lengths of CLT-slabs that can be shipped across North America
Multifamily Housing | Oct 15, 2015
Montreal apartment is world’s largest residential cross-laminated timber project
Its 434 condo, townhouse, and rental units in three eight-story buildings are made from sustainably harvested wood turned into panels by Canadian company Nordic Wood Structures together with the Cree Nation in Chibougamau.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 7, 2015
BIG designs lush, terraced mixed-use building in Sweden
Cascading glass and wooden cubes create a form similar to Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway rock formation.
Sponsored | Wood | Sep 17, 2015
Compelling conversations about wood: coastal environments
Architect Greg Mella and APA’s Karyn Beebe have a frank and far-reaching discussion about the tangibles and intangibles of using wood in corrosive environments—and beyond.
