Cutting-Edge Forest Technologies and Management Solutions

European forestry faces a number of challenges, from lack of resource efficiency and modernisation, to decline in available skills and human resources in the sector, and not to mention the need to ensure minimal environmental impact. As a key sector which provides rural jobs and affects other industries, innovative tools and thinking is needed to ensure the sustainability of European forest resources moving forward.

The project group on Cutting-Edge Forest Technologies and Management Solutions forms the projects of the ForestValue ERA-NET Cofund initiative. They have brought out innovative solutions for the sustainable management of multifunctional forests as well as innovative industrial production and processing technologies, products, concepts and services.

If you are a player in the forestry sector, then browse through our catalogue of results and see how you can benefit!

Catalogue Promotional Video:

A separate Catalogue Promotional Flyer is available in PDF here.

All together, these projects bring forward the following:

  • New processes for producing wood products
  • Better understanding of the properties of wood and technologies for its analysis
  • New techniques and technologies to support the valuation and valorisation of forests and wood
  • An understanding the players in the wood economy from the grassroots and introducing methodologies and tools to improve their performance
  • Research on the effects of policy on the wood economy and providing insights for improvement
  • New or improved wood products for industrial application
  • Methodologies and tools to improve wood economy performance
  • Techniques and technologies to support the valuation and valorisation of forests and wood

Catalogue of Results

The projects have produced 49 results that are organised into the following categories:

Forestry players are encouraged to browse through our catalogue and get in touch with the result owners to see how these results can benefit you!

High-Value Added Wood Products

ResultResult
type1
ProjectContact
FunEnzFibres Production Tools for Cellulose Oxidizing Enzymes

Technologies to produce high quantities of oxidative enzymes with low contaminating background activities and using simple conditions.

ToolsFunEnzFibres
FunEnzFibres Enzymatic oxidation to produce cellulosic fibres with improved solubility

Contributes the sustainable conversion of wood fibres to textiles.

ProcessFunEnzFibres
FunEnzFibres Enzymatic oxidation to produce new type of micro-fibrillated cellulosic materials

New material properties for packaging, and reduction of water and energy consumption in production.

ProcessFunEnzFibres
FunEnzFibres Effect of enzyme & cellulose type and reaction condition on enzymatic oxidation of cellulosic fibres

Scientific and technical knowledge about LPMO oxidation of cellulose, especially for material applications.

StudyFunEnzFibres
StrongComposite Cellulose laminate stacking process at large scale

A sustainable high-strength fibre composite, which allows to substitute less eco-friendly materials in various applications.

ProcessStrongComposite
StrongComposite cellulose composites with a biobased matrix

A sustainable high-strength fibre composite, which allows to substitute less eco-friendly materials in various applications.

PrototypeStrongComposite
StrongComposite high-strength cellulose materials

Shows the concept and potential of this novel cellulose material.

PrototypeStrongComposite
StrongComposite strong cellulose-matrix composites

Proof of concept that high-strength cellulose composites can be achieved.

PrototypeStrongComposite
StrongComposite functional cellulose materials

Proof of concept of innovative approaches to produce hierarchical, multifunctional, and sustainable cellulose-based materials.

Prototype  StrongComposite

Wood Grading Solutions & Technologies

ResultResult
type1
ProjectContact
READiStrength State-of-the-Art Reports on Strength Grading

Covers grading methodology, underlying regulations for applying strength grading procedures and industrial views on their applicability.

PublicationsREADiStrengthAnders Lycken
firstname.lastname[at]ri.se
FIRENWOOD testing and classification system for adhesives for structural fire applications

A classification method improving fire design models by thorough experimental validation.

Classification SystemFIRENWOOD
Final CLICKdesign model

A performance-based specification protocol to enable provision of a software tool for architects and specifiers to embed service life performance specification for wood.

SoftwareCLICKdesignEd Suttie
firstname.lastname[at]bregroup.com
FIRENWOOD State-of-the-art report

A detailed overview of where wood elements can be applied with which requirements to fire resistance rating, and which field of use is currently excluded.

StudyFIRENWOOD
FIRENWOOD small-scale and model-scale testing

Fire development and fire properties testing methodology.

MethodologyFIRENWOOD
FIRENWOOD design models for structures with I-joists, CLT and glued-in fasteners

Improved fire design models by thorough experimental validation.

Design ModelsFIRENWOOD
READiStrength Strength grading models based on log characteristics

Solutions for manufacturers that can be implemented in different technical systems for scanner systems.

ModelsREADiStrength

Magnus Fredriksson firstname.1.lastname[at]ltu.se

Andreas Weidenhiller firstinitial.lastname[at]holzforschung.at

Andreas Briggert firstname.lastname[at]ri.se

Udo Sauter
firstname.lastname[at]forst.bwl.de

Olof Broman
firstname.lastname[at]ltu.se

READiStrength models for timber strength grading based on board characteristics

Mathematical solutions for different technological grading applications which can be used by scanner manufacturers.

ModelsREADiStrength

Andreas Weidenhiller firstinitial.lastname[at]holzforschung.at

Olof Broman
firstname.lastname[at]ltu.se

READiStrength Combined wood log and board strength grading concepts

Combinations of different state-of-the-art scanning technologies on log and board basis could provide new concepts for material flow through sawmill production.

SystemREADiStrength

Andreas Weidenhiller firstinitial.lastname[at]holzforschung.at

Magnus Fredriksson firstname.1.lastname[at]ltu.se

Franka Brüchert firstname.lastname[at]forst.bwl.de

READiStrength Timber strength prediction concept for CT data generating models of boards

Wood board finite element models generated from CT data provide an advanced understanding of the wood strength

ProcessREADiStrengthJohannes Huber
firstname.lastname[at]ltu.seAndreas Weidenhiller firstinitial.lastname[at]holzforschung.at

Olof Broman firstname.lastname[at]ltu.se

Framework for grading of secondary timber

An approach for assigning design properties for a batch of timber, when the situation is out-of-scope of EN 14081

MethodologyInFutUReWoodKarin Sandberg
firstname.lastname[at]ri.seDan Ridley-Ellis
firstinitial.lastname[at]napier.ac.uk

Wood Construction Material Innovations and Guidelines

ResultResult
type1
ProjectContact
hardwood_joint implementable design rules

Allows practitioners to implement developed solutions into building practice.

Methodology  hardwood_joint
Quantification of structural damping in as-built tall timber buildings

Provides exact tall timber building#e2efd9 behaviour data allowing validation of calculations or optimising future designs.

SystemDynaTTBMarie Johansson
firstname.lastname[at]ri.se
Identification and quantification of the effects of connections and non-structural elements

Provides architects & civil engineers better insight on different building technologies and how they affect the overall behaviour of tall timber buildings.

PublicationDynaTTBMarie Johansson
firstname.lastname[at]ri.se
Finite element models for tall timber buildings

Includes approaches used to model different kinds of tall timber buildings.

ModelDynaTTBMarie Johansson
firstname.lastname[at]ri.se
Taller timber building wind design guidelines

Covers specific design advice, state of the art (timber construction systems, finite element modelling, in-situ measurements, …) and case studies.

PublicationDynaTTBMarie Johansson
firstname.lastname[at]ri.se
Numerical modelling of asymmetrical CLT structures on seismic areas

Design recommendations for multi-story timber buildings built in earthquake areas.

StudyInnoCrossLamBoris Azinović
firstname.lastname[at]zag.si
Adaption of a 3D Multisurface failure criterion for clear wood

The Abaqus user material subroutine includes multi-surface failure criterion with ideal plasticity.

Source CodeInnoCrossLamJosef Füssl
firstname.lastname[at]tuwien.ac.at
State of the art in design of CLT structures

Common practices and solutions for typical challenges in structural design for engineers dealing with CLT.

BlueprintInnoCrossLamMartin Schenk
firstname.lastname[at]tum.de
A tool for assessing the reuse potential of timber buildings

An indicator system to assess if a building is designed for disassembly in accordance with ISO 20887

PublicationInFutUReWoodYlva Sandin
firstname.lastname[at]ri.se
Design for deconstruction and reuse of timber structures– state-of-the-art-review

It discusses technical premises for a potential circular use of timber in building construction in low-rise timber buildings, up to 3 storeys, in seven countries

Publication

Study

InFutUReWoodCarmen Cristescu
firstname.lastname[at]ri.seYlva Sandin
firstname.lastname[at]ri.se
Estimating the material stock in wooden residential houses in Finland

Quantifying the amount of wood available in Finnish residential houses in 2017

PublicationInFutUReWoodBahareh Nasiri
firstname.lastname[at]aalto.fi
Development of a life cycle inventory database and life cycle impact assessment of the building demolition stage: a case study in Germany

Project-specific inventory data for the calculation of life cycle assessments for the building’s demolition stage

PublicationInFutUReWoodRaphaela Ivanica
lastname[at]hfm.tum.de

Forest Management and Logistics Solutions

ResultResult
type1
ProjectContact
NOBEL Auctioning platform

A web platform to enable payments for ecosystem services built based on NOBEL’s 3 business models providing a platform for exchanges between providers, companies, and government agencies.

SoftwareNOBEL
SMALLWOOD Multi-tree harvesting, and combined harvesting and chipping techniques

Wood harvesting and extraction innovations aiming to increase sustainable utilisation of small diameter wood.

Methodology  SMALLWOOD
MULTIFOREVER Demonstration Plots with Somatic plants

Demonstrates performance of advanced somatic seedlings and benefits of new management strategies for plantation multi-varietal forestry.

PrototypeMULTIFOREVERAndrea Rupps
firstname.lastname[at]hu-berlin.de
Multi-objective Optimization tool

The tool allows to define ecosystem service demands important for society and analyse the optimal management strategy to reach the targets.

ToolMultiForestMikko Mönkkönen
firstname.lastname[at]jyu.fi
Up-scaling and automation of somatic embryo production

Improved in-vitro culture techniques making somatic embryo production more effective, up-scaled and automated.

MethodologyMULTIFOREVERUlrika Egertsdotter
firstname.lastname[at]slu.se
Virtual supply chain laboratory environment for professionals

Enables value-tracking and interactive testing of harvesting and transport responses to challenging climate scenarios.

Virtual EnvironmentGreenLane
Trees ‘memory’ of stress applied during early somatic embryogenesis (priming)

Conifer trees can memorize stress experienced during early development which could be used as an innovative ‘breeding’ method to introduce new traits of interest.

MethodologyMULTIFOREVERPaloma Moncaleán
pmoncalean[at]neiker.eus
Somatic embryogenesis initiation from bud explants

New methodology of initiating cultures from older trees allowing the direct vegetative propagation of elite trees with known characteristics.

MethodologyMULTIFOREVERTuija Aronen
firstname.lastname[at]luke.fi
Harmonized output data comprising stock, growth and yield, harvest amounts, and soil carbon

The forest growth modelling output for five important timber producing countries in the EU using different management strategies and climate change scenarios will provide basic data on potential forest growth, harvest output and basis ecosystem services

DatasetValoFor
Productivity ranges of forest machines

Based on empirical work studies, optimal working radii were derived for different models of forestry machines, also under the influence of operator assistance such as IBC or rotating cabs. The results served as a foundation for the development of the coach.

Data set/ Model/ PublicationAVATARFlorian Hartsch
firstname.lastname[at]uni-goettingen.de
Sensor platform for detection of forest machine environment

In a field study, a harvester was equipped with a sensor platform that can record the machine environment and the position of the harvester head in relation to the forest machine.

PrototypeAVATARCsongor Horvath
firstname.lastname[at]nibio.no
Head-Up-Display in forest machine cabin to display machine surrounding and working ranges

In a field study, the cabin of a harvester was equipped with a HUD that displays the machine environment (data collected from sensor platform) to the operator to help with optimal positioning.

PrototypeAVATARFlorian Hartsch
firstname.lastname[at]uni-goettingen.de

Csongor Horvath
firstname.lastname[at]nibio.no

Esteban Arboix
firstname.lastname[at]optea.com

List of advantageous and disadvantageous work practices of forest machine operators

Based on extensive interviews, a list of advantageous and disadvantageous work practices of forest machine operators was developed, which can be used in future machine operator training to better assess strengths and weaknesses of young and also experienced operators

Data set/
Publication (pending)
AVATARFlorian Hartsch
firstname.lastname[at]uni-goettingen.de

dreger[at]ifado.de

Martin Englund
firstname.lastname[at]skogforsk.se

even[at]skogkurs.no

Stem diameter measuring accuracy algorithm

Based on empirical data, the accuracy of harvester head measurements can be assessed.

Data set AVATARMaria Nordström
firstname.lastname[at]skogforsk.se

Policy Reports and Recommendations

ResultResult
type1
ProjectContact
Sectoral policies drive forest management and ecosystem services

Provides leverage points for policymakers to increase coherence among future policies and improve implementation of multiple uses of forests.

PublicationMultiForestMikko Mönkkönen
firstname.lastname[at]jyu.fi
ValoFor Report on forest owner characteristics, legal frameworks and forest behaviour

Provides recommendations for practice, policy and industry on national and EU level specifically on small forest owners’ perception towards the bioeconomy, forest management, climate change adaptation and forest conservation

Study, Methodology  and ModelValoFor
I-MAESTRO Recommendations for Practice and Policy

Policy recommendations on management strategies to ensure resilience and high levels of ecosystem services provisioning at different scales, ranging from stands and landscapes to the European level.

PublicationI-MAESTRO
I-MAESTRO European Database on Forest Disturbances

The updated database will provide a precise overview of past events and trends, and better predictions for the future.

DatasetI-MAESTRO
I-MAESTRO analysis of impacts of disturbances, management and climate change scenarios on ecosystem services with forest models

Uses forest simulation models addressing interactions between disturbances, forest management, climate change and structural complexity.

StudyI-MAESTRO
MULTIFOREVER Somatic plant market analysis survey

Provides an understanding of the current knowledge and interest of the EU forest-wood sector to invest in somatic embryogenesis technology (Finland: done/submitted for publication; Sweden: ongoing; EU scale: coming soon).

StudyMULTIFOREVERDaniel Gräns
firstname.lastname[at]slu.seMikko Tikkinen
firstname.lastname[at]luke.fi
Report on small forest enterprise production and profitability

The report can be used to better understand the economic constrains of small forest owners as a basis for policy development.

StudyValoFor
Report on the status of forest ecosystem services and biodiversity in small private forests

Provides better understanding of the trade-offs between various ecosystem services.

StudyValoFor

Wood Material Research and Insights Library

ResultResult
type1
ProjectContact
CLICKdesign validation and optimisation of the decay, exposure, insect, and resistance models

A service life model to predict performance of wood in construction

StudyCLICKdesignEd Suttie
firstname.lastname[at]bregroup.com
Determination of the mechanical properties of multifunctional CLT

Feasibility study and demonstrator for the manufacture of thermally activated wall elements.

Feasibility StudyInnoCrossLamMatthias Arnold
firstname.lastname[at]tum.de
Mechanical behaviour for CLT elements design

Covers the mechanical behaviour of cross laminated timber at in-plane shear loading and notched elements at out-of-plane loading – useful for the development of design codes and standards.

StudyInnoCrossLamHenrik Danielsson
firstname.lastname[at]construction.lth.se
hardwood_joint rough shear plane effects

Optimising timber joints by activating further load-carrying contributions such as friction through rough shear planes.

Engineering Modelshardwood_joint
hardwood_joint finalised single-fastener model

Serves as a basis for the development of realistic joint models.

Engineering Modelshardwood_joint

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[1] Results types are: Blueprint; Commercial solution; Data set / data pool; Demonstrator; Feasibility study; Framework (e.g. software environment, policy document, legal framework); Hardware (e.g. chip, appliance, drone, sensor, system); Infrastructure (e.g. IT infrastructure, transport infrastructure, energy infrastructure, water infrastructure, building etc.); Methodology; Model (e.g. risk model, mathematical model, data model, physical model, business model etc.); Patent (e.g. utility, design patents and plant patents); Policy report; Prototype; Proxy/broker service; Research and/or virtual environment; Scientific publication (Refereed); Scientific publication (Non-refereed); Software (e.g. routine, integrated platform, library, plugins); Standard (e.g. norms, policies); Taxonomy / Ontology; Tool / Toolkit / toolbox; Training (e.g. learning tools, services, modules); White paper or similar publication; Other – please specify.

Project Group Members


The projects under the Project Group on Cutting-Edge Forest Technologies and Management Solutions (HRB PDESB FORESTVALUE) have received support from the HRB – Horizon Result Booster – an initiative funded European Commission, Directorate General for Research and Innovation, Unit J5, Common Service for Horizon 2020 Information and Data.