William H. Sardo Jr. Pallet and Container Research Laboratory

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Performance of Pallet Parts Recovered from Used Wood Pallets

By

John W. Clarke
Marshall S. White
Philip A. Araman
Pallet & Container Research Laboratory
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061-0503 USA

ABSTRACT:
The flexural modulus of elasticity (MOE), flexural modulus of rupture (MOR), and density of used pallet parts were measured and compared to the same properties of new parts. Seventy-four percent of used pallet parts sampled were hardwoods, and 26 per- cent were softwoods. The average mixed hardwood parts were 41 percent stronger and 40 percent stiffer than the mixed softwood parts. The mixed eastern oaks were the most common species sampled, and reflected the relative volume of these species used to make new pallets. The average dry used oak deckboards were 47 percent stronger and 23 percent stiffer than green new oak parts, due primarily to the difference in moisture content (MC). However, when adjusted to the same MC, the predicted average MOR and MOEof used oak deckboards was 15 and 21 percent less, respectively, than newoak deckboards. Without sortation, used parts dimensions were more variable than that of newparts. Material property values for various groupings of used parts were developed for use in future versions of the Pallet Design System (PDS) program dealing with re- paired and rebuilt pallets.

Please direct questions to Marshall S. White