annual report 2013/2014 - ivth · 17 overview – short reports 2014 18 publications 19 final...

Annual Report 2013/2014

Shaping the future naturally - with wood.

Contents

2 Contents and Publication Credits

3 Foreword

4 A Profile of the Association

5 Executive Committee and Advisory Board

6 The Association in Figures

8 AiF – Federation of Industrial Research Associations

Otto von Guericke e.V.

10 Activities 2013/2014

10 LIGNA 2013

10 Cooperation Forum „Wood As a New Material“

11 Wood Research Days 2014

12 Second Cooperation Forum „Bonding of Wood and

Wood-based Materials“

12 German Wood Preservation Conference 2014

13 Ninth European Wood-based Panel Symposium

14 Award Presentations

14 Wilhelm Klauditz Medal

16 Overview – Short Reports 2013

17 Overview – Short Reports 2014

18 Publications

19 Final Reports

20 Cooperations

21 Current Research Projects

21 EU Project ECOPRESSWOOD

22 Recycling WPCs

24 A Look Ahead to 2015

25 Membership Declaration

26 iVTH Statute

2 iVTH-Report2013 / 2014

Publication Credits

iVTH - Annual Report

Published by Internationaler

Verein für Technische Holzfra-

gen e.V. - iVTH (International

Association for Technical

Issues Related to Wood)

Commercial Director

Rainer Marutzky

Editor

Margitta Uhde

Rainer Marutzky

Typesetting and layout

Sarah Lippelt

Manuela Lingnau

Claudia Albrecht

Printing

Richard Bretschneider GmbH

Foreword

The Internationaler Verein für Technische Holzfragen e.V. -

iVTH (International Association for Technical Issues Related

to Wood) has been dedicated to applied timber research for

almost 70 years now. Current challenges facing the field are

the supply of timber, the change in the range of raw timber

available from soft to hard woods, environmental issues and,

of course, continuing development in timber product cha-

racteristics and production technologies. During the reporting

period 2013/14, the association has led collective industrial

research teams with around 20 projects reflecting these sub-

jects. In 2015, six new projects are already dealing with issues

of importance to forestry and timber management.

The subject of the recycling of wood products is once again

gaining significance. At the same time it is worth taking a look

beyond our own field, specifically into the field of plastics.

These synthetic polymer materials are suitable for countless

applications thanks to their diversity, performance and, above

all, durability. In contrast to other materials they generally do

not rot, corrode or erode. This means that they can be used

in areas which are impossible or at least problematic for other

materials such as wood, paper, steel or concrete.

Today at least 150 million tonnes of plastic are produced

around the world each year. Many types of product would be

almost unimaginable without plastics. However, critical voices

have been raised in recent times. The very durability of most

plastics has been recognised as being their most problematic

characteristic. Added to this are constituents of plastics such

as softeners, flame retardants and other problematic additives

which can have a negative impact on the environment. When

not disposed of correctly, they also contribute increasingly to

the pollution of rivers and beaches and are carried by cur-

rents far out into the oceans where they present a danger to

seabirds and sea creatures. Biodegradable plastics have been

developed but have not so far been established in the industry

to any great degree. Whether this will change in the future

remains to be seen.

Wood is also a polymer material but as a natural product it has

built-in biodegradability. This means that wood and products

made from it will not accumulate in a similar way. Neverthe-

less, the timber industry, which itself produces a wide range

of composites using plastics, will not be viewing the problems

associated with plastics with any degree of schadenfreude

because as well as competition there are also synergies. Many

timber products make use of plastics and composites such

as furniture, doors, laminate flooring and WPCs exploit the

advantages of both groups of materials.

The iVTH will follow with interest the continuing discussion

surrounding disposal and, where required, will initiate and

support collective industrial research projects where timber

products are also concerned. This annual report includes one

such project already: collective industrial research project

17411N „Recycling of Wood-Polymer Composites (WPC) as

demonstrated by the example of decking planks“.

Having taken this short excursion into the world of plastics,

we would now like to thank the iVTH team for their hard work

and our colleagues on the executive committee and advisory

board for their support and essential supervision of the work

of the association. I hope that you find this annual report of

interest.

Dr. Ralf Becker Brakel and Braunschweig,

iVTH Chairman May 2015

3iVTH-Report2013 / 2014

A Profile of the Association

The International Association for Technical Issues Related

to Wood – iVTH - was founded in 1946 on the initiative

of timber researcher Wilhelm Klauditz and what was then

Braunschweig‘s state forestry administration. Since then, we

have been promoting links between technical and scientific

ideas whilst taking into account economic conditions.

As a non-profit association, the iVTH promotes research and

development in the fields of wood and wood-based panels

as well as related areas including, for example, adhesives,

construction, testing and standards. We have a history of

acting as an intermediary between science and practice that

stretches back over almost 70 years and is based in part on

experience in forestry and the timber industry.

For us, helping to shape the future means taking the findings

from successfully-completed research projects and using it to

grasp, develop and promote new ideas. This also includes esta-

blishing initiatives to advance our knowledge of timber and its

use as a raw material and to communicate this to others.

Join us in maintaining this knowledge transfer for future

generations and shaping the future with a raw material fit for

our times.

An overview of our activities:

We

�� promote research and development in the forestry and

timber industries and related fields

�� commission research projects with relevant objectives

�� organise scientific events

�� present the Wilhelm Klauditz prize for timber research and

protection of the environment

�� are a cooperation partner for initiatives connected with

timber as a raw material

�� take an active part in advisory councils

�� are a member of the Federation of Industrial Research

Associations (AiF), the Fraunhofer Society for the Advance-

ment of Applied Research, Holzforschung Austria, the Joint

Committee on Adhesive Technology (GAK), the Hardwood

Research Interest Group (IGLHF) and the Association for the

Promotion of Standardisation in the Timber Industry and

Furniture (VFNHM).

As a member you have the following benefits:

�� Advice from timber research experts

�� Information and summary reports on current research

projects by supported research bodies

�� Offprints, annual reports, press releases

�� Special rates for events

�� Association members are privileged partners in research

and development as well as on advisory and review com-

mittees

If you are interested in supporting communication between

research and practice then please get in touch with us.

The office team (from left to right):Sarah Lippelt, Rainer Marutzky, Margitta Uhde and Petra Lamprecht.


Executive Committee

The association‘s executive committee is elected by the mem-

ber council for a term of three business years and is tasked

with executing the decisions of the member council as well as

of the executive committee.

Executive Committee and Advisory Board

Chairman

Dr. Ralf BeckerFritz Becker KG

Advisory Board

The advisory board cultivates relationships with those agencies,

in particular from science and government, which support the

objectives of the association.

Dr. Rüdiger BaunemannPlasticsEurope Deutschland e.V.

Dr. Markus BoosRemmers Baustofftechnik GmbH

Forstdirektor Michael BuhlmannHess. Ministerium für Umwelt, Energie, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz

RegDir. Johann Georg DenggBundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft

Prof. Dr. Arno Frühwaldehem. vTI Hamburg

Dr. Klaus MerkerNiedersächsische Landesforsten

Prof. Dr. Holger MilitzInstitut für Holzbiologie und Holztechnologie, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen

Ralf PollmeierPollmeier Massivholz GmbH & Co. KG

Dr. Joachim ReichertBundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie

Prof. Dr. Klaus RichterTechnische Universität München

Prof. Dr.-Ing. André WagenführInstitut für Holz- und Papiertechnik der TU Dresden

Dr. Stephan WeinkötzBASF SE

Dr. Hans-Kurt von WerderFaber-Castell AG

Werner ZimmermannRhenocoll-Werk e.K. Last updated: April 2015

Other Board Members

Dipl.-Forstw. MR Horst BuschalskyNds. Ministerium für den ländlichen Raum, Ernährung, Landwirtschaftund Verbraucherschutz

Dr.-Ing. Jürgen KreiterWerzalit AG & Co. KG

Karl-Robert Kuntzelka-Holzwerke GmbH

Dr. Peter SauerweinVHI – Verband der deutschen Holzwerkstoffindustrie e.V.

In an advisory role

Prof. Dr. Rainer MarutzkyiVTH

Deputy Chairman

Dipl.-Ing. Hubertus FlötottoSauerländer Spanplatten GmbH & Co.KG

Deputy Chairman

Dipl.-Ing. Ernst GretenFagus-GreCon, Greten GmbH & Co.KG

Treasurer

Dr.-Ing. Hans-Werner HoffmeisterInstitut für Werkzeugmaschinen und Fertigungstechnik der TU Braunschweig


The Association in Figures

Special-purpose enterprisePlanned Actual

Revenue Expenditure Revenue Expenditure

Member contributions/donations 70 59

Donations 20 19

Interest 3 2

Sales tax 1 1 1 2

Project grants 6 5

Reserve (withdrawal) 187 55

Events 11 11

Staff 22 19

AiF contributions 50 50

Other revenue and expenditure 10 12

Project funding 215 68

Total 298 298 152 151

Surplus revenue 1

Funds in transit

Federation of Industrial Research Associations (AiF) funding average, competition (normal process), Cornet, Cluster 1.950 1.822

WKI 500 326

Other research bodies 1.450 1.496

Total 1.950 1.950 1.822 1.822

Overall total 2.248 2.248 1.974 1.973

Surplus revenue 1

iVTH accounts 2013(in thousand Euros)


iVTH accounts 2014(in thousand Euros)

Special-purpose enterprisePlanned Actual

Revenue Expenditure Revenue Expenditure

Member contributions/donations 60 64

Donations 20 23

Interest 2 1

Sales tax 1 1

Project grants 10 2

Reserve (withdrawal) 159 100

Events 150 150 153

Staff 27 27

AiF contributions 54 55

Other revenue and expenditure 10 6

Project funding 160 261

Total 402 402 352 349

Surplus revenue 3

Funds in transit

Federation of Industrial Research Associations (AiF) funding average, competition (normal process), Cornet, Cluster 1.300 1.321

WKI 450 526

Other research bodies 850 795

Total 1.300 1.300 1.321 1.321

Overall total 1.702 1.702 1.673 1.670

Surplus revenue 3


Source: AiF

The AiF was founded in 1954 as a non-profit association and

has grown to become an alliance of around 100 research

associations with partners from business, science and go-

vernment managing research funding via a variety of funding

instruments along the whole length of the value-added chain.

Industrial collective research acts as the bridge between funda-

mental research and industrial application. The German Federal

Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) provides

public funds for industrial collective research. The objective of

the programme is to balance out the structural disadvantages

of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the field of

research and development. The intention is to make it easier

for SMEs to access technological advances, making them more

internationally competitive; this takes place within a single

business sector but increasingly also across all sectors under

the umbrella of the AiF research associations. The research

projects focus on the needs and interests of the business with

the business being fully involved. Depending on the issue

being researched, the cooperative, practice-orientated research

activities are carried out primarily by universities and non-

profit research institutions with close links to business. This

means that parallel fields of research can be developed to the

pre-competition stage with technical and economic risks being

shared between several institutions. The results of the research

are openly available to any interested party.

The iVTH has been a full member of the AiF since 1958. The

AiF is the sole coordinator and organiser of pre-competition

collective industrial research which is why only AiF members

are able to apply to the BMWi for public funding for research

projects as part of practice-orientated fundamental research.

In order to make an application, businesses or research bodies

direct their suggested subjects for industrial collective research

projects to an appropriate research institution; for wood-

related issues, for example, it might be the iVTH. The range of

subjects covered by AiF research associations includes future

technologies of relevance to SMEs, from biotechnology to new

materials and efficient use of resources.

AiF – Federation of Industrial Research Associations - The Innovative Power of SMEs


AiF facts and figures

�� Since its foundation in 1954 the AiF has directed around

€10 billion into developments and innovations.

�� Over 200,000 research projects have been realised.

�� 1,200 research institutes have participated over the last five

years alone in industrial collective research projects.

�� Around 1,200 experts from business and science work

ensure the quality and practical relevance of the research.

�� Close to 50,000 primarily small and medium-sized enter-

prises benefit from the results of research conducted under

the aegis of the AiF.

AiF projects conducted by the iVTH in 2013

The iVTH supports research projects of interest to small and

medium-sized businesses. The Corporate Finance Codex

enacted in 2011 means that research associations may not

draw remuneration from the research bodies for research

funding from the BMWi. This means that the costs for advice

and support as well as AiF membership subscription fees are

covered solely from membership subscriptions, donations and

one-off contributions to the association.

In 2013, the iVTH supported 20 industrial collective research

projects and one CORNET project. The new industrial coll-

ective research project „Simulation-aided development of

lightweight, medium-density fiberboard (MDF)“ was started

on 1 January 2013. Work on the project will continue until

the end of 2015, carried out by the Fraunhofer Institutes WKI

and ITWM. In July 2013, the Fraunhofer Institutes WKI and

IBP began the project „Development of models to generate

hygrothermal characteristic values of wood-based panels for

the digital simulation of component behaviour“, also as part of

the industrial collective research project.

AiF projects conducted by the iVTH in 2014

In 2014, the iVTH supported 17 industrial collective research

projects including two new projects. In January 2014, research

work began at the Fraunhofer WKI on the project „Product

analysis and development of a process for testing the adhesi-

on of laminate flooring taking into account behaviour when

renovated with water-based coatings“. One further industrial

collective research project was approved on 01.05.2014. The

Chair of Materials Science and Construction at the Technical

University Munich is responsible for leading the project. The

brief title of this project is „Eccentric and neighbouring bre-

akthroughs in glued laminated timber girders“.

�Î www.aif.de

�Î www.ivth.org

IGF research funding

(Extract; source: www.aif.de)


Activities 2013/2014

From 6 to 10 May 2013, the iVTH and WKI once again ap-

peared as exhibitors at LIGNA in Hall 27/J 35 at the Messege-

lände exhibition grounds in Hanover. They presented the work

of various research institutions, such as that of the Technical

University of Dresden on moulded wood as hollow sections for

the construction industry or three-dimensional curved shells

e.g. for architecture and design. Holzforschung München con-

tributed the prototypes of a „lightweight fire safety board“.

Ligna 2013 Bayern Innovativ Cooperation Forum „Wood As a New Material“ 6 November 2013, Regensburg

Together with several Bavarian wood and forestry institutions,

the International Association for Technical Issues Related to

Wood – iVTH – took part in the cooperation forum „Wood As

a New Material“ hosted in Regensburg by technology transfer

centre „Bayern Innovativ“.

The forum was held in the historic Salzstadel building and

with over 200 participants was not only very successful but in

a series of high-quality introductory and expert presentations

also provided information on current developments in wood-

based new materials beyond conventional ways of using and

exploiting timber.

Professor Klaus Richter from Holzforschung München first of

all gave an introduction to the challenges and trends in new

materials. After providing information on the importance of

the efficient use of resources in innovative products and cur-

rent developments in materials in the paper industry, Ralf Pol-

lmeier explained the innovative potential of laminated beech

veneer lumber in the construction industry. A panel discussion

went on to provide further insight into this subject. iVTH Chair-

man Professor Rainer Marutzky then introduced seven expert

presentations of research results into innovative products deve-

loped through biomineralisation and structure resolution right

through to the nano scale or the foaming of wood.

Speakers also provided insights into new applications for

wood-based panels in the field of personal protection and in

the automotive industry as well as opportunities for the use of

bamboo. The forum was accompanied by an industry exhibiti-

on. Here, the stand held by the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood

Research WKI with examples of new findings and products

was one which provoked lively interest among participants.

�Î www.bayern-innovativ.de/werkstoffholz2013

A view of the auditorium in the Salzstadel building in Regensburg. © Thomas Geiger / Bayern Innovativ

Joint stand of the Fraunhofer WKI and the iVTH© Fraunhofer WKI


20 /21 March 2014, Braunschweig

Together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research

WKI, the iVTH held its now traditional „Wood Research Days“

in Braunschweig on 20 and 21 March 2014.

This year‘s subject „Emissions from construction materials

and furnishings for interior spaces/VOCs, formaldehyde and

fragrances“ provoked strong interest among the 110 parti-

cipants from business, research institutions and government

agencies. A wide-ranging programme was once again on offer

with 16 expert presentations. Since emissions in indoor spaces

are gaining increasing significance in terms of standards and

legislation, presentations were concerned not only with the

latest research findings but also on national and European

regulations. The perspectives of the buildings inspectorate and

the federal environment agency were particular cause for lively

discussion.

In addition, strategies and processes for the minimisation of

emissions and possibilities for product monitoring were pre-

sented. Questions concerning the evaluation of the emissions

released by construction products from a hygiene point of view

were also thrashed out in a panel discussion and the need to

act where statutory and standards regulations are concerned

was explained.

Participants were able to continue discussions in a relaxed

atmosphere during an evening meal in the lounge of the

Braunschweig Residenzschloss.

Wood Research Conference 2014

Emissions from construction materials and furnishings for interior spaces –

VOCs, formaldehyde and fragrances

Panel discussion (from left to right): P. Tappler, Prof. Dr. T. Salthammer, Prof. Dr. R. Marutzky, Dr. P. Sauerwein, W. Misch und Dr. W. Plehn.

View of the hall at the Braunschweiger Stadthalle.


Activities 2013/2014

Bayern Innovativ and the iVTH together hosted the 2nd coo-

peration forum „Bonding of Wood and Wood-based Panels“

Almost 250 participants from research and business enjoyed a

wide-ranging programme with 20 expert presentations at the

Festung Marienberg conference centre in Würzburg.

Presentations focused on findings from a variety of current

research projects by research institutions in Germany, Austria

and Switzerland, new solutions for bonding in industrial prac-

tice and advances in the development and application of low

emissions adhesives for wood products.

An evening reception with perfect weather in the garden pa-

vilion of the Juliusspital in Würzburg provided a good oppor-

tunity in relaxed conversation to further explore impressions

gained from the conference, to build on existing contacts and

to make new ones.

The success of the event encouraged the two hosting institu-

tions to announce a 3rd cooperation forum for the 21 and 22

June 2016, once again in Würzburg.

Successful adhesives conference in Würzburg

German Wood Preservation Conference 2014 in Braunschweig

On 18 and 19 September 2014, the iVTH organised for the

first time on behalf of the Technical Committee On Wood Pre-

servation the German Wood Preservation Conference. Around

100 participants from research and business in Germany and

abroad gathered in Braunschweig‘s Stadthalle. The 17 presen-

tations spanned a wide arc from science to practice.

The subjects covered at the event included legal aspects

surrounding wood preservation and standards as well as the

development of new technologies in the field of wood preser-

vation. Numerous examples from practice demonstrated the

significance of wood preservation in construction for the pre-

vention of damage. Participants were also shown a wide range

of fungi and moulds which cause damage to wood as well as

images of the damage they cause. Following the individual

presentations, conference participants enjoyed plenty of time

for discussion.

The evening event took place in a cosy Braunschweig pub.

Participants were able to reflect on the first day, make new

contacts and build on existing ones during the convivial barbe-

cue.

�Î www.bayern-innovativ.de/holzkleben2014

© Bayern-Innovativ / Geiger


Organisers from the Fraunhofer WKI and the EPS can look

back on the successful 9th European Wood-based Panel Sym-

posium which they organised in Hanover from 8 to 10 October

2014 with the support of SasolWax GmbH and the iVTH. The

Maritim Airport Hotel once again provided a comfortable

location for the conference at which around 260 interested

participants from science and practice in Germany and abroad

gathered to look into the subject of wood-based panels. Ladis-

laus Döry, President of the European Panel Federation, opened

with a presentation on the current situation in the European

wood-based panel industry. There followed 23 presentations

over two days shining a light on the situation of the wood-

based panels sector and related fields around the world. In

many countries, the shortage of raw materials is becoming an

urgent situation which can be compensated by the use of re-

cycled wood in Europe and Japan and the use of fast-growing

plantation trees in South America.

9th European Wood-Based Panel Symposium -

Successful symposium in Hanover

At the close of the conference, the organisers expressed their

thanks for the outstanding organisation and announced the

10th European Wood-based Panel Symposium, which will be

taking place for the first time in Hamburg in October 2016.

Speakers from the fields of plant engineering and measure-

ment technology presented individual solutions for the effici-

ent use of resources. Presentations on the continuing deve-

lopment of wood-based panels and adhesives were a further

key aspect of the event. In the field of emissions, the speakers

provided informative presentations on national efforts to set

standards and possibilities for monitoring. The symposium,

with its interesting technical contributions, was rounded-off

in dignified style with an evening reception at the invitation of

Sasol in Hanover‘s Neues Rathaus.

© Fraunhofer WKI

© Fraunhofer WKI


Award winner Professor Peter Niemz at the presentation between Professors Werner Klaffke (Bayern Innovativ, left in picture) and Rainer Marutzky (iVTH)© Bayern-Innovativ / Geiger

Award winner Franz-Josef Schewe (left) and Professor Dr. Bohumil Kasal (Fraunhofer WKI)

23 June 2014, Würzburg

Wood physicist Professor Dr.-Ing. habil. Peter Niemz, who

teaches at the ETH Zürich, was awarded the Wilhelm Klauditz

medal of the International Association for Technical Issues

Related to Wood at the 2nd cooperation forum „Bonding

of Wood and Wood-based Panels“ in Würzburg on 23 June

2014. The presentation was a way for the Braunschweig

association to honour the services of this scientist from Saxony

who specialises in wood research. The focus of his work is in

the fields of wood physics and wood technology as well as in

issues surrounding the bonding of wood.

Professor Niemz has shared his scientific knowledge and the

results of his research with other experts in over 500 publica-

tions, of which around 300 have appeared in respected jour-

nals and in over 200 presentations to professionals in the field.

He has also been significantly involved in 10 specialist books,

either as author or editor.

Award presentations

Wilhelm Klauditz Medal for Professor Peter Niemz

Wilhelm Klauditz Medal for Franz-Josef Schewe

15 May 2014, Braunschweig

Franz-Josef Schewe was awarded the Wilhelm Klauditz

medal on 15 May 2014 during the executive committee and

advisory board meeting of the iVTH. The director of Remmers

Bautechnik has been a member of this committee for more

than 11 years. During this time, he has advised the Association

and the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research – on whose

board he has also served – on questions of wood and facade

preservation and the production of wood products for the

construction industry. With his quiet yet competent manner, he

has made a considerable contribution to the advancement of

the field of surface research and to integrating new activities

such as fire protection into the activities of the association and

institute. He was awarded the WK medal as an honourable

recognition of these services.


From left to right: Jens Böttcher (SasolWax GmbH), Prof. Dr. Rainer Marutzky (iVTH), Dr. Hans Schroeder and Prof. Dr. Bohumil Kasal (Fraunhofer WKI) © Fraunhofer WKI

9 October 2014, HWS Hannover

Dr. Hans Schroeder, former Head of Department at the Lower

Saxony Ministry for Science and Culture, was awarded the

Wilhelm Klauditz medal by the iVTH for his services to the pro-

motion of applied forestry and wood research. The ceremony

took place on 9 October 2014 during the evening event of

the 9th European Wood-based Panel Symposium hosted by

SasolWax GmbH at the Neues Rathaus in Hanover. Professor

Bohumil Kasal, Director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood

Research (WKI), presented the award to the laureate and gave

a brief insight into the work of Dr. Schroeder.

He has been a valued and recognised member of the board

of WKI and the advisory board of the iVTH since 2001. During

this period one of Dr. Schroeder‘s particular achievements was

to bring together the research institutions for the field of wood

and forestry in Lower Saxony. The Lower Saxony Ministry for

Science and Culture provided start-up funding which enabled

him to effect an initial cooperation leading to a variety of

cooperative research projects. The network developed into

a research and development cluster made up of members

from the timber industry and science in lower Saxony, Saxony

Anhalt and Northern Hesse which encompasses the entire fo-

restry and timber value-added chain. The research institutions

involved came together in 2005 to form the lower Saxony

Competence Network for the Sustainable Use of Wood [NHN].

This promoted interdisciplinary and cross-institutional coope-

ration between its members and supported them to conduct

application-oriented research projects. Dr. Schroeder also

makes a dedicated contribution to this competence network as

a member of the economic advisory board.

Wilhelm Klauditz Medal for

Dr. Hans Schroeder


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Overview – Short Reports 2013

16854BG – Melamine-glyoxylic acid/glyoxal resin for low

emissions wood-based materials

Period: 01.02.2012 - 31.07.2014

Research partners: Fraunhofer-Institut für Holzforschung WKI,

Fraunhofer-Institut für Angewandte Polymerforschung IAP

17012N – Influence of bonding and surface parameters

adjustable in production on the strength and durability

of wood bonds

Period: 01.04.2011 - 31.10.2013

Research partners: Materialprüfungsanstalt Universität

Stuttgart (MPA)

17317N – Influence of glue line pressure - possibilities

and limitations of low pressure vacuum pressing in the

manufacture of bonded wood components

Period: 01.11.2011 - 31.10.2013

Research partners: Materialprüfungsanstalt Universität

Stuttgart (MPA)

17070N – Simplified fatigue verification of timber ele-

ments in timber and timber-concrete composite road

bridges

Period: 01.06.2012 - 31.05.2014

Research partners: Universität Stuttgart,

Institut für Konstruktion und Entwurf

17284N – Bonding of various wood species and studies

about their applicability in glued laminated timber

Period: 01.10.2011 - 31.03.2014

Research partners: TU München Institut für Holzforschung, TU

München Institut für Baustoffe und Konstruktion

17340N – Fire behaviour of large scale wooden roofing

structures exposed to fire from underneath

Period: 01.01.2012 - 31.01.2014

Research partners: TU München - Institut für Baustoffe und

Konstruktion

17328N – Vibroacoustics in the design process for timber

construction

Period: 01.09.2012 - 31.08.2014

Research partners: Hochschule Rosenheim

17398N – Simplified design of glued laminated timber

girders of varying heights to determine the torsional

moment due to lateral torsional buckling

Period: 01.01.2012 – 30.11.2013

Research partners: Universität Stuttgart, Institut für Konstrukti-

on und Entwurf

iVTH short reports are an exclusive service reserved only for our members.


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17644N – Simulation-based development of light medium

density fibreboard (MDF)

Part 1: Fibre orientation

Period: 01.01.2013 - 31.12.2015


Fraunhofer-Institut für Techno- u. Wirtschaftsmathematik ITWM

17644N – Simulation-based development of light medium

density fibreboard (MDF)

Part 2: Two-scale simulation

Period: 01.01.2013 - 31.12.2015


Fraunhofer-Institut für Techno- u. Wirtschaftsmathematik

ITWM

17284N – Bonding of various wood species and studies

about their applicability in glued laminated timber

Period: 01.10.2011 - 31.03.2014

Research partners: TU München Institut für Holzforschung,

TU München - Institut für Baustoffe und Konstruktion

17311N – Fast-Curing adhesive systems for application in

wooden panel construction

Period: 01.10.2011 bis 31.01.2014

Research partners: Fraunhofer-Institut für Holzforschung

WKI, Technische Universität Braunschweig - Institut für Füge-

und Schweißtechnik (ifs)

17441BR – Multi-layer solid wood panels with functional

elements in the middle layer

Period: 01.09.2012 - 30.04.2015

Research partners: ihd - Insitut für Holztechnologie Dresden

gemeinnützige GmbH, TU Dresden - Institut für Bauklimatik

17274N – Studies on the bond strength of glued compo-

nents made from wood and high-peformance concrete

through applied hygrothermal exposure of the adhesive

joint

Period: 01.10.2011 - 31.03.2015

Research partners: Universität Kassel - Institut für Konstruktiven

Ingenieurbau

17328N – Vibro-acoustic in the planning process for timber

constructions: Modelling, numerical simulation, validation

of project part 3 and 4

Period: 01.09.2012 - 31.12.2014

Research partners: Hochschule Rosenheim

484ZN – Development of models to generate hygro-

thermal characteristic values of wood-based panels for

numerical simulation of component behaviour

Period: 01.07.2013 - 30.06.2015


Fraunhofer-Institut für Bauphysik IBP

17856N – Predicting the ability to renovate multi-layer

parquets

Period: 01.01.2014 - 31.12.2015

Research partners: Fraunhofer-Institut für Holzforschung WKI

17070N – Simplified fatigue verification of timber ele-

ments in timber and timber-concrete composite road

bridges

Period: 01.06.2012 - 30.11.2014

Research partners: Universität Stuttgart, Institut für Konstrukti-

on und Entwurf

Evaluation of a method for the sensory testing of buil-

ding products for indoor applications under practical

conditions

Period: 01.01.2014 - 30.06.2015


17411N– Material recycling of wood-polymer composites

(WPC)

Period: 01.09.2012 - 31.08.2015


17411N – Separation of PVC-based WPC in a sorting faci-

lity using near-infrared spectroscopy

Period: 01.09.2012 - 31.08.2015


16758N – Guidelines for the vibroacoustic description of

wooden ceilings and for evaluating and designing adap-

ted vibration-protection systems

Period: 01.11.2010 - 31.01.2014

Research partners: TU München Lehrstuhl für Baumechanik,

Hochschule Rosenheim Bauphysik/Schallschutz

Overview – Short Reports 2014


The text „Building and living with wood“ commissioned by the

DHWR German Wood Industry Council (Berlin) was published

in March 2013. Prof. Tunga Salthammer and Prof. Dr. Rainer

Marutzky convincingly present the advantages of living in

wood. The objective of this text is to inform project managers,

planners and those building with wood of the health and hy-

giene characteristics of wood and the diverse aspects of using

wood products in a domestic setting.

Publications

„Building and living with wood“ Practice Comments on Standard DIN 68800 in the BEUTH Commentary Series

At the start of 2013, Practice Comments on Standard DIN

68800 was published in the BEUTH Commentary Series. The

publishers are the Deutsche Institut für Normung (German

Standards Institute) and the International Association for Tech-

nical Issues Related to Wood – iVTH. The team of respected

authors, Dietger Grosser, Horst Hertel, Borimir Radovic and

Hubert Willeitner, give a detailed explanation of the imple-

mentation of the standard in construction practice and provide

useful notes on all relevant aspects.

The second, completely revised and updated edition of the

Beuth Commentary is an important addition to the new wood

preservation standard. The DIN 68800 series of standards

has been redesigned. In parts 1 to 4 it sets out central condi-

tions for wood preservation in an area where there is tension

between building longevity and the requirements for modern

standards of health and safety.

The book offers to all those using the standard:

�� extensive explanations of the new design of the standard,

�� comprehensive commentary on individual sections of the

standard,

�� transparent explanation of the background and context of

the standard and

�� the original text of all parts of standard DIN 68800.

Hazardous substances – keeping our air clean, 73 (2013) No. 3 - March

The article below was published in March 2013 in the journal

„Hazardous substances – keeping our air clean, 73 (2013) No.

3 - March“ (Springer-VDI-Verlag GmbH & Co.KG) by M. Wen-

sing, B. Bliemetsrieder, A. Ligarski:

„Investigation into emissions from internal doors relevant to

indoor air in order to assess the behaviour of building products

with respect to hygiene, health and environmental protec-

tion“.

As part of collective industrial research project 16210 N/2 sup-

ported by the iVTH, promoted and financed by AiF and BMWi,

door frames and door casings conforming to standard EN

14351-2 were comprehensively tested for emissions relevant to

indoor air quality using the test chamber method.

Since 2011 the iVTH has included reporting via the Internet

amongst the possible ways of passing on information from

research to industry and the scientific community.

Depending on what is happening at the time, the newsletter

deals with subjects from the forestry and timber industries and

related fields as well as, for example, research findings and

biographies. Reports on collective industrial research projects

also provide information on the significance and benefits of

these research grants for businesses in the field of wood. The

iVTH newsletter is published at regular intervals.

iVTH newsletter

The commentary can be orde-

red direct from the publishers

Beuth.


Final Reports

15532N - Advanced surface coating recycling concepts using

online measurement and treatment processes

16611N - Nanocomposite ceramic blades with stabilising

microgeometries on the cutting edge

16612N - Increasing machine and process safety and reliability

through the use of sensor integration in processing centre tool

spindles and planing and moulding machines

16613N - Development of non-flammable lightweight com-

posite systems using thin fire protection boards with fibre

reinforcement and high mineral content papers for void and

cavity structures

16735BR - Adding value to native wood species through

the use of combined modification, compression and forming

processes

16758N - VibWood – Development of planning aids to descri-

be the technical noise and vibration characteristics of wooden

ceilings in multi-storey accommodation and other buildings in

the frequency range below 100 Hz and for the evaluation and

dimensioning of suitable vibration protection systems

16854BG - Formaldehyde-free melamine resins based on glyo-

xylic acid/glyoxal as binding agents for low emissions wood-

based panels and impregnating resins for decorative coverings

50 EN - Optimising multi-storey wooden constructions to with-

stand the impact of earthquake

The reports are based on research projects which were funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy through the Federation of Industrial Research Associ-ations (AiF). Full reports can be ordered from the iVTH.

Final Reports 2013

17012N - Influence of bonding and surface parameters adju-

stable in production on the strength and durability of wood

bonds

17041N - Compact test rig for determining impact noise red-

uction in floor coverings

17284N - Possibilities for bonding various wood species and

investigation into applicability as glued laminated timber

girders

17311N - Fast-curing adhesive systems for application in

wooden panel construction

17317N - Influence of glue line pressure – possibilities and li-

mitations of low pressure vacuum pressing in the manufacture

of bonded wood components

17318N - Investigation into the emissions from wooden win-

dow frames in order to evaluate the behaviour of construction

products in relation to health, hygiene and the environment

17340N - Fire behaviour of large scale wooden roofing struc-

tures exposed to fire from underneath

17398N - Simplified design of glued laminated timber girders

of varying heights to determine the torsional moment due to

lateral torsional buckling

Final Reports 2014


Cooperations

Institutions

Fraunhofer-Institut für Holzforschung WKI, Braunschweig

Fraunhofer-Institut für Schicht- und Oberflächentechnik IST, Braunschweig

Hochschule Rosenheim

Holzforschung München (HFM); Holzwerkstoffe

ift gemeinnützige Forschungs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft Rosenheim

Institut für Holztechnologie Dresden gemeinnützige GmbH (IHD)

Johann Heinrich von Thünen-Institut, Institut für Holztechnologie und -biologie

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie; Lehrstuhl für Ingenieurholzbau und Baukonstruktionen

Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V.

Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS) München; Papiertechnisches Institut (PTS-PTI)

Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) Braunschweig

Technische Universität Braunschweig; Institut für Werkzeugmaschinen und Fertigungstechnik (IWF), Institut für Füge- und Schweißtechnik

Technische Universität Dresden; Institut für Holz- und Papiertechnik, Institut für Holz- und Pflanzenchemie

Technische Universität München; Lehrstuhl für Baumechanik, Lehrstuhl für forstliche Arbeitswissenschaften, Institut für Baustoffe und Konstruktion

Materialprüfanstalt Universität Stuttgart (MPA Stuttgart, Otto-Graf-Institut (FMPA))

Universität Kassel; Fachgebiet Bauwerkserhaltung und Holzbau

Universität Stuttgart; Institut für Konstruktion und Entwurf, Institut für Werkzeugmaschinen (IfW), Institut für Fertigungs-technologie keramischer Bauteile (IFKB), Institut für industrielle Fertigung und Fabrikbetrieb (IFF)

Associations and Federations

AGR Arbeitsgemeinschaft Rohholzverbraucher e.V., Berlin

Bayern Innovativ GmbH Gesellschaft für Innovation und Wissenstransfer mbH, Nürnberg

BDF Bund Deutscher Fertigbau e.V., Bad Honnef

DECHEMA Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V., Frankfurt (Main)

DeSH Deutsche Säge- und Holzindustrie e.V., Berlin

DFV Deutscher Forstverein e.V., Göttingen

DFWR Deutscher Forstwirtschaftsrat e.V., Berlin

DHWR Deutscher Holzwirtschaftsrat e.V., Berlin

DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V., Berlin

DVS Deutscher Verband für Schweißen und verwandte Verfahren e.V., Düsseldorf

FNR Fachagentur für Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V., Gülzow

FOSTA Forschungsvereinigung Stahlanwendung e.V., Düsseldorf

FTP Forest Technology Platform, Freiburg

GAK Gemeinschaftsausschuss Klebtechnik

HDHHauptverband der Deutschen Holz und Kunststoffe verarbeitenden Industrie und verwandter Industriezweige e.V., Bad Honnef

Holzbau Deutschland Bund Deutscher Zimmermeister, Berlin

I.D. Holz Informations- und Demonstrationszentrum Holz e.V., Olsberg

IVH Informationsverein Holz e.V., Berlin

KWF Kuratorium für Waldarbeit und Forsttechnik e.V., Groß Umstadt

NHN Kompetenznetz Nachhaltige Holznutzung e.V., Göttingen

TIHD Trägerverein Institut für Holztechnologie, Dresden

VHI Verband der Deutschen Holzwerkstoffindustrie e.V., Gießen


ECOPRESSWOOD is a research project of the 7th Framework

Programme of the European Union which was started on 1

May, 2014. The joint project involves three European research

bodies, including the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research

WKI in Braunschweig, working to develop a biologically based

and formaldehyde-free binding agent for wood-based panels.

The background to the project is the classification of formal-

dehyde in category 1B (carcinogen) „Substance with probable

carcinogenic potential for humans“ and 2 (mutagen) by the

European Chemicals Agency‘s Committee for Risk Assessment.

Residues from biodiesel production are to be the source mate-

rial for the new adhesive. The project also intends to test the

use of ceramic nanoparticles for reinforcing the adhesive.

The iVTH together with other research associations and wood

federations from Austria, Croatia, Ukraine and Italy is sup-

porting the project by communicating research findings to

interested small and medium-sized industrial enterprises. The

coordination of the project is the responsibility of Spanish

furniture technology centre CETEM in Yecla (Murcia).

Current Research Projects

EU Project ECOPRESSWOOD

In order to gain an overview of the way that the industry uses

binding agent resins and the wishes and needs surrounding

the subject, a survey was undertaken through the associa-

tions in the first year, in accordance with the project plan. The

research bodies are currently working on synthesising suitable

binding agent polymers. The research work is on schedule.

�Î www.ecopresswood.eu


The project began in September 2012 at the Fraunhofer WKI

and is scheduled to run until 31 August 2015.

Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC) consist of particles contai-

ning lignocellulose and thermoplastics (primarily polyethylene,

polypropylene or PVC) and additives. The material is a biocom-

posite and the wood component can be as high as 75%. The

product is generally very durable making it ideally suited for

use as decking planks, a significant application.

The WPC manufacturing sector in Germany is relatively young

in comparison to the classic wood-based panels sector. With

a production volume of 260,000 t in 2012 it is successfully

delivering new biomaterials in Europe (nova-Institut 2014).

WPCs are fundamentally recyclable since the thermoplastic

polymers used mean that they can be ground, melted down

and re-extruded or processed in some other way.

Some German WPC manufacturers offer free returns of their

own products. For small volumes of WPC requiring disposal,

most manufacturers recommend treating as household waste;

for larger volumes they suggest either recycling as scrap wood

or incineration for energy. Since WPC contains over 50%

wood it is regarded as scrap wood in terms of recycling, in line

with scrap wood regulations. However, there is as yet no

concrete legal categorisation of WPC since WPC is not expli-

citly named in the legislation. It may be assumed that old WPC

profiles can be used to manufacture new products after the

end of their useful life.

In the long term, the supply of petroleum-based plastics and

therefore also WPC will become more limited and therefore

more expensive, which means that the use of recycled mate-

rials is a hot topic for the WPC industry. From an economic

point of view, cutting costs by using re-granulate instead

of fresh raw materials makes sense. Improved marketing of

WPC‘s recyclability and the ecological advantages of the mate-

rial as well as a solution for the problem of disposal could help

to strengthen the German market.

The project is intended to increase competitiveness for SMEs in

the sector by using a proportion of recycled WPCs in products

of other industry branches such as the plastic and wood-based

panel industry. In addition, the intention is that old WPC‘s can

be reused within the original manufacturer‘s operation and

that old WPC‘s can continue to be used for the extrusion of

new decking planks. This process is intended to establish the

basic technical feasibility of the recycling of WPCs. Alongside

facade profiles, the decking plank is so far the only WPC

product for which concrete requirements exist which means

Recycling wood polymer composites (WPC)

Current research project at the Fraunhofer WKI

Possible recycling methods for WPC

WKI‘s laboratory sorting plant


that it can be used as an example to identify the limits of its

recyclability.

The project has investigated the effects of adding stabilisers

and non-WPC recyclate in various proportions and adding 2/3

fresh WPC to the WPC recyclate. The experiments took place

using Design of Experiments, DoE. DoE offers the advantage

that several parameters (three in this case) can be simulta-

neously and systematically varied to levels established before

the start of the experiment and the effects of the individual

parameters can be clearly proven using mathematical methods.

Using DoE shortens the time required for the experiments and

interactions between parameters can be recognised.

In the investigations carried out so far, it has been shown that

WPC has a high potential for recycling and that a good level of

stabilisation is required in order to achieve good quality WPC

recyclate.

the proportion of WPC-PVC in the „refinate“ produced was

reduced from 56% at the beginning to approx. 2%.

1) Meinlschmidt, P., Briesemeister, R. und Mauruschat, D. (2014): Modern sorting tech-niques for increasing the share of recovered wood in particleboard production. In: 9th European Wood-based Panel Symposium. Hannover, 8.-10.10.2014

Sorting results: mass proportions before, after the first and after the second sorting.

Cross-section of various WPC decking boards© Manuela Lingnau / Fraunhofer WKI

As part of the investigations into the recycling of WPC, resear-

chers also investigated whether WPC particles can be auto-

matically sorted into various plastics types in various fractions.

In recycling technology, it is often important to sort materials

containing PVC out from the recyclate in order to enable recy-

cling of the material or its use as an energy source. One aspect

of the project is therefore the separation of WPC containing

PVC using near-infrared spectroscopy in a sorting plant.

Certain plastics can be removed from a materials stream by

using inline measurement of reflection spectrums in the near-

infrared region (wavelength between approx. 1000 nm and

2500 nm) to recognise them and then to remove them from

the stream using dual-stream pneumatic sorting in a sorting

plant1). In order to do so, WPC profiles with a variety of

plastics recipes were shredded. The respective plastics compo-

nents however were not given any additional pigment so that

the particles appeared „wood coloured“. After sorting twice,

The research undertaken has been able to demonstrate that

under the conditions of the experiment (uncoloured material),

it is possible to reduce the proportion of unwanted WPC-PVC

to around 2% by weight and thus largely to remove this frac-

tion from a materials stream. However, a sorting plant can only

be set up to sort a certain range of grain sizes and a particular

material density. The classification model is therefore only

valid for the material fractions which have been input and the

quality of any near-infrared spectrum sorting depends largely

on the quality of the signals and the ability to classify them

with certainty. Dark pigmentation of the plastics largely gives

a poorer signal-to-noise ratio. Signals with higher spectral and

spatial resolution (e.g. 300 pixels per line) in a broader wave-

length range (e.g. 1200 nm to 2000 nm) can be achieved with

a hyperspectral camera, for example. In order to use them for

improved sorting, however, further investigations and develop-

ment are required.


The project to develop a hardwood timber brochure was

begun in 2014 by the iVTH in conjunction with the NHN. The

objective is to present the opportunities for using hardwoods

and to promote the use of a range of hardwoods against the

background of the „hardwood problem“. The intention is that

the technical compendium will be of interest to companies ac-

tive in the area of hardwood exploitation, associations and in-

terested circles from the timber and forestry industries as well

as universities and research institutions amongst others. The

brochure will provide information about a range of subjects

including the significance for forestry of native hardwoods,

their timber properties and the possibilities for working and

processing them. The treatise will be published in 2015.

A Look Ahead to 2015

Development of a brochure on the use of hardwood timber as a material

A variety of research applications submitted to the Federation

of Industrial Research Associations AiF via the iVTH have now

been examined and approved. The following are some of

those projects:

„Alternative formaldehyde-free urea resins for wood-

based panels and decorative papers“

The research project concerns the measures required to further

reduce and avoid the use of formaldehyde due to the Europe-

an reclassification of the substance. In the joint project by the

Fraunhofer Institutes for Wood Research WKI in Braunschweig

and for Applied Polymer Research IAP in Potsdam, alternative

formaldehyde-free urea resins for wood-based panels and

decorative papers will be developed and tested to practical

maturity over a period of 2 1/2 years. The project follows on

from a very promising forerunner and if successful could con-

tribute significantly to enabling the production of much lower

emission wood-based panels and products made from them at

economically justifiable cost.

„Development of a model-based process simulation for

the manufacture of decorative, three-dimensional for-

med veneered surfaces“

Another project that has been underway since January 2015

is entitled „Development of a model-based process simulation

for the manufacture of decorative, three-dimensional formed

veneered surfaces“. The objective of this project is to increase

the high-quality finishing of wood products with real wood

veneers in the fields of furniture and interior finishing. The

research partners, the Institute for Wood and Paper Techno-

logy of the Technical University Dresden and the Engineering

Faculty of the University of Schmalkalden, are able to base

their work on the findings of a previous project.

„Vibroacoustics in the planning process for wooden buil-

dings – modelling, digital simulation, validation (II)“

The CLUSTER project „Vibroacoustics“, organised as three

project parts, was started in 2012 and extended in 2015.

The planning of a timber construction building is a significantly

greater challenge than a conventional building. This is in part

due to the lack of proven constructions and construction tools

for sound insulation and performance. Suitable computer-ba-

Research projects in 2015

sed planning tools, which make it possible to create a simula-

tion for the entire building in the early planning stage, could

drastically reduce the time and effort required for planning.

The planning tools to be developed as part of the project will

enable a planning process which is more efficient and there-

fore better value.

Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences is responsible for

managing part 3 of the project: Developing parameters and

SEA modelling (Statistical Energy Analysis).

ift Rosenheim is responsible for managing part 4 of the

project: Vibroacoustics in the planning process for timber

buildings. The objective of the research is to develop an FEM-

based calculation model for air and impact noise insulation in

construction situations and a construction component databa-

se for solid wood elements.

The Chair of Structural Mechanics at the Technical Universi-

ty Munich is responsible for Part 5 of the project: Frequency

range-dependent modelling for predicting structure-borne

sound propagation in timber buildings. In this part of the

project, researchers hope to develop possibilities for predic-

ting structure-borne sound transmission considering adjacent

construction components, especially where wall and ceiling

components meet in timber buildings. Depending on the fre-

quency range, a variety of prognosis processes will be used for

dynamic analysis.


24

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International Association for Technical Issues Related

to Wood (iVTH).

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Internationaler Verein für Technische Holzfragen e.V. [International Association for Technical Issues Related to Wood - iVTH (registered association)]Bienroder Weg 54 E, D-38108 Braunschweig Phone +49(0)531·2155-209, Fax +49(0)531·2155-334www.ivth.org

Statute: Agreed at the ordinary General Meeting on 17.09.2009 in Braunschweig.

§ 1 Name, domicile, legal capacity, fiscal year1. The Association bears the name „Internationaler Verein für Technische Holzfragen e.V.“.2. The Association has its domicile in the city of Braun-schweig.3. The Association is recorded in the association register of the District Court of Braunschweig.4. The fiscal year is the calendar year.

§ 2 Non-profit status, application of funds1. The Association pursues, exclusively and directly, non-profit purposes in accordance with the provisions of the paragraph “tax-privileged purposes” of the German tax regulations. 2. The Association is non-profit-making; it does not pursue primarily its own economic purposes.3. Association resources may only be used for purposes stipulated in the Statute. The members receive no gratuities from Association resources. 4. No person or establishment may receive benefit through issues which are alien to the purpose of the Association or through disproportionately high remuneration.

§ 3 Purpose and duties1. The purpose of the Association is the promotion of sci-ence, research and technology in the field of forestry and the timber industry as well as related economic sectors.2. The Association‘s purpose is realized in particular through:a) The promotion of research and development projects, the awarding of research contracts, the execution of scientific events and the appointment of advisory groups and consul-tant circles.b) The conveyance of research results to members and associ-ations as well as government bodies.c) The promotion of research for principally small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which serves the purpose of pre-competitive knowledge acquisition (joint research).3. The purpose and tasks of the Association are primarily rea-lized in co-operation with the „Fraunhofer lnstitute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut (WKI)“ in Braunschweig. 4. The purpose and tasks of the Association serve in equal measure the co-operation with the supporting organization of the WKI, the “Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (FhG) zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.” (Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (FhG) for the Promotion of Applied Research in Munich).

§ 4 MembershipMembers of the Association are:a) Full members (§ 5)b) Honorary members (§ 6)

§ 5 Full members1. Full members may be natural or legal persons, business partnerships and associations and societies without legal capacity (coalitions), who wish to promote the work of the Association.2. The application for membership is to be made to the Executive Board of the Association informally in writing. The application must state who shall exercise membership in the Association; a subsequent change in representation must be notified. Admission shall be pronounced in writing by the Executive Board of the Association. 3. Members of the Executive Board and Advisory Board are full members through their election and/or appointment. 4. Membership provides no entitlement to Association assets.5. The annual membership fees for the full members shall be defined through a membership fee scale which is determined by the General Meeting.6. Members of the Executive Board and Advisory Board are exempt from the payment of membership fees.

§ 6 Honorary members1. Members, supporters and scientists who have rendered outstanding service to science and research, wood technolo-gy, forestry and the wood industry can be elected as hono-rary members of the Association by the General Meeting or the Executive Board. They are exempt from the payment of membership fees.

§ 7 Termination of membership1. Membership is terminated by death, in the case of legal persons and coalitions through dissolution. 2. Membership ends through resignation of the member. Resignation is only possible at the end of a financial year and with adherence to a three-month period of notice. The resignation must be given in writing by the member to the Executive Board. 3. The Executive Board may exclude a member for important reasons, in particular:- when the member is, despite reminders, in arrears with 2 years‘ membership fees, or- his behavior impairs the reputation and interests of the Association.The decision shall be communicated to the member in writing. The decision regarding an appeal shall be made by the next General Meeting.

§ 8 Elements of the AssociationElements of the International Association for Technical Issues related to Wood are:1. the General Meeting (§§ 9f)2. the Executive Board (§§ 11f)3. the Advisory Board (§ 13)4. the auditors (§ 14)

§ 9 General Meeting1. In the General Meeting, each member has one vote; he can be represented by another member by means of a written power of attorney. 2. An ordinary General Meeting shall take place at intervals of a maximum of three years.3. Extraordinary General Meetings shall be conveneda) if the Executive Board Council decides with a majority to do so,b) if at least one third of the full members apply for this to the Chairman, enclosing thereby the agenda.4. The General Meeting shall be convened and conducted by the Chairman or a Deputy. The invitation shall be sent to the members in writing, with a notice period of one month, and shall specify the location, time and agenda.5. Each legitimately-convened General Meeting shall be quorate regardless of the number of persons present.6. The decisions of the General Meeting shall be recorded and subsequently signed by the Chairman or a Deputy.7. The Chairman may induce a decision of the members or a statute amendment by means of a written ballot. Such a decision shall only be valid if two-thirds of the members agree to his decision in writing.

§ 10 Responsibilities of the General MeetingThe General Meeting has the following tasks:a) election of the Executive Boardb) receipt of the activity report and the annual accountsc) discharge of the Executive Boardd) election of auditorse) election of honorary membersf) determination of membership feesg) decisions concerning appeals against the exclusion of members (§ 7, paragraph 3)h) passing of resolutions concerning amendments to the Statute (§ 15)i) passing of resolutions concerning the dissolution of the Association (§16).2. Decisions may only be taken on items which have been declared in the invitation agenda or which have been placed on the agenda during the Meeting following agreement from two-thirds of the persons present or being represented. Decisions concerning amendments to the Statute and the dissolution of the Association cannot be subsequently incor-porated into the agenda. 3. Decisions shall be taken through a simple majority of the persons present or being represented. In the event of a tie, the Chairman shall have the casting vote.

§ 11 Executive Board1. The Executive Board of the Association consists of:a) the Chairmanb) two Deputy Chairpersonsc) the Treasurer andd) other Executive Board members.2. The Executive Board should fundamentally be represented by the forestry sector, the wood industry and the Technical University of Braunschweig.

3. The Executive Board of the Association is elected by the General Meeting for a period of three financial years. Re-election is permissible. 4. The Executive Board shall execute its activities on an honorary basis. 5. Executive Board as laid down by § 26 BGB (German Civil Code) are the Chairman, his Deputy and the Treasurer. Each of these persons is entitled to represent the Association.

§ 12 Responsibilities of the Executive Board1. The Chairman or a Deputy conducts the business matters of the Association, provided these are not statutorily reserved for the General Meeting. He shall execute the decisions of the General Meeting and the Executive Board.2. The Chairman or a Deputy shall convene and preside over the General Meeting. He shall distribute invitations to Executive Board meetings, with a notice period of one month and accompanied by a suggestion for the Agenda. 3. The Executive Board shall decide on all significant matters of the Association. As part of the purpose of the Statute, these include, in particular:- determination of the annual budget- promotion and advising of the WKI- participation on the WKI Board of Trustees- co-operation with the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft- assessment and promotion of projects involving joint research- raising of funds for research and development- appointment of a Managing Director.4. The Executive Board is quorate when at least three members are present. It takes its decisions through a simple majority. In the event of a tie, the Chairman shall have the casting vote. 5. The Chairman may also induce a decision of the Executive Board by means of a written ballot. Such a decision shall only be valid if all members of the Executive Board agree to his decision in writing.6. The Executive Board may appoint advisory groups and consultant circles.

§ 13 The Advisory Board1. The Advisory Board serves to maintain relations with offices and authorities, particularly those from the fields of science and the state, which support the objectives of the Association.2. The Advisory Board members are appointed by the Execu-tive Board. The term of office for members of the Advisory Board ends with the new election of the Executive Board. Re-appointment is permissible. 3. The Advisory Board is assigned to the Executive Board of the Association for consultation.

§ 14 Auditors1. The General Meeting elects two auditors for a period of 3 years.2. The auditors audit the annual accounts.3. The auditors report to the General Meeting concerning the results of their audit. 4. Re-election is permissible.

§ 15 Amendments to the Statute1. Amendments to the Statute shall be determined by the General Meeting. The proposed amendments to the Statute must be notified in writing together with the letter of invitation and the agenda for the General Meeting. Decisions concerning amendments to the Statute require a majority of two-thirds of the members present or being represented.2. Amendments may also be executed in writing (§ 9, number 7).

§ 16 Dissolution of the Association 1. The dissolution of the Association can only be decided by the General Meeting. For such a decision, the agreement of three-quarters of those members present or being represen-ted is required. The dissolution petition shall be delivered to the members together with the letter of invitation and the agenda. 2. If the Association is dissolved or its legal capacity is with-drawn or if its purpose hitherto is fundamentally changed, its assets shall then fall to the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zurFörderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. in Munich for its Institute for Wood Research, Wilhelm-Klauditz-Institut - WKI. Decisions concerning the future application of the assets may only be taken with the prior consent of the tax authority.

§ 17 Supplementary provisionsProvided this Statute does not prescribe a deviating regula-tion, the provisions of the German Civil Code apply to the Association.

Statute

Notes


Internationaler Verein fürTechnische Holzfragen e.V.iVTH International Association for Technical Issues Related to Wood (iVTH)

Bienroder Weg 54 E38108 BraunschweigGermany Tel. +49 531 2155-209Fax +49 531 2155-334 [email protected]

annual report 2013/2014 - ivth · 17 overview – short reports 2014 18 publications 19 final...

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