The SMA Wood Innovation Grant, funded by the U.S. Forest Service, has been making excellent progress since receiving final confirmation of funding in February 2024. Following the projected timeline, we recently began full-scale guard assembly testing in collaboration with our partner engineering firm, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH).
Before full-scale testing, we conducted individual tests on each basic guard connection to assess their structural capacities. The data from these preliminary tests was analyzed and used to create a predictive model for the performance of a complete guard system. To refine and validate this model, we are now testing various full-scale guard assemblies, focusing on replicating the most common connection combinations used in the field. The data from these tests will be critical in calibrating the predictive model, allowing us to expand its accuracy and utility. The more scenarios we test, the better we can predict performance across different configurations.
Looking ahead, we aim to apply for Phase II funding of the original grant, Phase II was initially included in the original grant but later removed in order to emphasize the initial testing and research focus. Phase II will expand the depth and diversity of data used to predict the performance of specific guard system designs. While the complexity of connections and materials may limit the tool’s scope, our goal is to address the most commonly used or “commodity” guard systems to provide design and engineering professionals with objective proof and confidence in using wood components for these critical safety systems. Wood stairs, rails, and guards are integral to the growing number of wood-framed multi-story buildings. Data-driven designs allow for the expanded use of wood to address housing needs and promote the health of our forests.
We will continue to keep you updated on our progress and welcome your feedback and support for this important initiative.
Additionally, we invite you to explore a video presentation of the full-scale stair guard testing setup, which includes an explanation by SGH engineers. This video, part of SGH’s Lab Live series, also covers related topics such as wood microscopy and the effects of moisture on mass timber construction—subjects we believe are highly relevant to our work.
Watch the Video Here
Passcode: SG&H480!
Thank you for your continued interest and engagement with this project. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of wood innovation to advance safety and increase usage of wood in building design and construction.
