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Optimizing Forest-Biomass-Distribution Logistics from a Multi-Level Perspective - Review
Forest and wood biomass represent a sustainable reservoir of raw materials and energy, offering a viable alternative to fossil fuels. These resources find extensive use in producing bioproducts, including solid wood and wood materials. The judicious exploitation of forest and wood biomass can be pivotal in reducing carbon emissions and securing material and energy independence. The business viability of producing valuable goods from woody biomass hinges on ensuring its sustained availability. This necessitates access to high-quality biomass at a minimal cost, demanding the efficient design of wood-biomass-distribution logistics. Furthermore, it is imperative to give equal weight to social and ecological considerations in shaping the forest- and wood-biomass-distribution logistics, thereby ensuring the sustainable utilization of this renewable raw material source. This article presents research focused on the business optimization of distribution logistics for specific forms of forest biomass used in wood material production. While most studies have primarily concentrated on the business or ecological issues of biomass utilization, this article offers a comprehensive insight by addressing business, ecological, and social facets in assessing and optimizing wood-biomass-distribution logistics. Multi-stakeholder life-cycle-assessment optimization takes into account the reduction of greenhouse gases as an ecological metric, with production costs and capital expenditure forming the business metrics. At the same time, the generation of employment opportunities is commonly regarded as the pivotal social criterion. There remains a necessity for further exploration into the potential social impacts of forest biomass utilization. Additionally, developing enhanced methodologies and decision-support tools for scheduling wood-biomass-distribution logistics that holistically consider business, ecological, and social criteria is an essential ongoing task.
Modeling the Effects of Strict Protection of Forest Areas—Part of the Provisions of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030
The case study included approx. 0.5 million ha of forest areas in Poland that are managed by the Regional Directorate of State Forests. The objective was to assess the impact of four different scenarios restricting the size of forest areas available for commercial use. Based on different criteria, each scenario set aside 10% of the total land area for strict protection on forested land, which is in line with the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. The economic impact (volume of reduced wood raw material) was statistically estimated for each of the four scenarios. It was confirmed that the layout of forest habitats is essential for specific limitations in forest production. For the optimal implementation of the provisions of the strategy, a balance in the selection of social, economic, and natural elements must be considered. This protects primarily the most valuable natural habitats characterized by the highest level of biodiversity, age diversity, and dispersion within the studied forest unit. The presented results may support decision-making processes used to maximize biodiversity protection while minimizing the negative economic impact of this environmental protection.
The Optimization of the Strength of Wood Adhesive Joints Supported by Steel Fasteners in Furniture Components
The strength properties of softwood components with bonded joints reinforced with fasteners were investigated and compared. Initial tests of the strength of the glue joints were carried out, with a change in the type of adhesive used. The application method significantly influenced the shear strength of the joint. With the adhesive and pre-bonding systems used, the shear strength of the adhesive joint of pine wood (Pinus silvestris L.) with PUR and PVAC resin was determined. The industrial results were 31% lower than in the shear test of the wooden joint bonded with PVAC glue. In terms of transverse shear force with staples, the joint has a transverse holding force that is higher than components connected with screws or nails. As the number of glue sticks increased, the shear strength of the pine wood increased. The strengths of the joined components in the glue roller method had an intermediate value. They did not differ significantly between the two-row gluing systems used. An increase in the force required to shear the bonded joint was observed for the different adhesive systems, the fasteners used, and their density.
Modelling Upholstered Furniture Frames Using the Finite Element Method
This study employs the finite element method to propose a model-based design strategy for upholstered furniture frames. Three-dimensional discrete models of these frames were created, considering the orthotropic characteristics of pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and spruce (Picea abies L.) wood, reinforced structurally with glue joints and upholstery staples. The modelling process utilised the CAE system Autodesk Inventor Nastran, applying the finite element method (FEM). Static analyses were performed by simulating standard loading conditions. The calculations incorporated the stiffness coefficients of the frame’s comb joint connections. The findings illustrate the stress distribution, displacements, and equivalent strains within the furniture frame models. The deformation and strength parameters of the frames introduce a novel perspective on designing upholstered furniture structures using the component-based FEM approach. These outcomes are applicable to the development of upholstered furniture designs.