Non-destructive testing methods for quality control and on-site assessment of wood-based products and buildings.
Faculty mentor/Supervisor:
Mariapaola Riggio
Email Address:
Department Affiliation:
Wood Science & Engineering
Project Location:
Corvallis, Richardson Hall
Project Description:
The project involves supporting a series of synergistic research activities focused on using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to assess damage and estimate properties of various wood products in the built environment. These products include advanced mass timber elements, such as Mass Ply Panels (MPP), cross-laminated timber (CLT), glue-laminated timber, and laminated veneer lumber (LVL), as well as wooden systems found in cultural heritage artifacts. The successful application of these methods will improve quality control during manufacturing and enhance inspections and maintenance protocols throughout a building's service life, ultimately boosting confidence in the use of wood and mass timber products in the built environment.
The NDT methods under investigation include vibrational and acoustic techniques, as well as micro-drilling testing, aimed at collecting parameters related to the global and local behavior of the tested elements. The student will collaborate with faculty members who have diverse expertise in wood science and engineering, as well as a team of graduate students. Additionally, the mentee will have the opportunity to interact with industry experts who serve on the advisory boards of the research projects.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform:
Anticipated tasks for the student include:
Supporting research by gathering relevant articles, reports, and data related to the project topics.
Contributing to the development of a comprehensive literature review based on the collected materials.
Assisting in organizing and documenting project-related information and resources for easy access by the team.
Helping with the setup and preparation of testing, including both materials and instrumentation.
Assisting in data collection.
Assisting in data analysis (depending on interest).
Throughout all terms, the student should also use this opportunity to learn from more experienced team members, ask questions, and develop a deeper understanding of the project's goals and processes.
Please list special or preferred skills::
Basic wood science knowledge
Familiarity with scientific research methods
Technical aptitude in setting up and using laboratory instruments
Familiarity with data analysis tools (preferred but not required)
Attention to detail
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
Hourly rate of pay:
$15/hr
What is the expected timeline of this project?:
Start date: 01/15/2025 (possibility of starting earlier can be considered)
end date: 06/15/2025
Are special skills or knowledge required to work on this project?:
Yes
Will training be provided?:
Yes
How many hours per week do you anticipate a student to work?:
5-10 hr / week depending on the project's need and student's availability
How many hours per week do you anticipate engaging in direct mentorship?:
1hr/week or as needed
Detail your mentorship plan:
I plan to foster the student's growth while contributing to the project's success. For this purpose, the objectives of the mentorship will be clearly outlined, with a focus on the student's learning and achieving project milestones. Roles and responsibilities will be defined for both mentor and student to ensure clarity and accountability. Regular mentor-student meetings will be held at a specified frequency and format to facilitate ongoing guidance and support. The student's learning goals will be detailed, and specific task assignments will be provided, aligning with their skill level and offering opportunities for growth. Resources and training materials will be identified to aid the student in completing their tasks effectively.
Progress will be closely monitored and evaluated using clear milestones and metrics. Regular feedback and evaluation will be provided to guide the student's development. An open problem-solving environment will be fostered, encouraging the student to seek assistance when needed. Opportunities for the student's professional development, such as conference participation, will be discussed. Communication channels will be established, and a timeline with key milestones and deadlines will be defined.