Forestry experts gather Oct. 3–5 at UMaine

The University of Maine School of Forest Resources, in conjunction with the Advanced Structures and Composites Center, will host meetings of two ASTM International committees and the Wood I-Joist Manufacturers Association (WIJMA) Oct. 3–5.

Stephen Shaler, director of the School of Forest Resources and associate director of the Advanced Structures and Composites Center, says welcoming representatives of leading forest products manufacturers, trade associations and government and university organizations to campus increases awareness of UMaine’s tremendous capabilities — both physical and intellectual.

“This may lead to increased inquiries for students from potential employers and result in increased research opportunities,” he says.

ASTM International is a leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards. More than 12,000 ASTM standards are used worldwide to improve product quality, enhance health and safety, strengthen market access and trade and build consumer confidence.

The D07 and D14 committees, with respective memberships of approximately 275 and 150, have jurisdiction over 248 wood- and adhesive-related standards that play a critical role in issues important to the forest products industry in Maine and beyond.

The committees address topics that include timber, wood, modified wood, veneer, wood-base structural panels, laminated wood, wood-based composites, adhesion, preservatives and fire performance.

WIJMA provides technical assistance and information to the residential and commercial construction industries and seeks to enhance the use of prefabricated wood I-joists and structural composite lumber in the construction industry.