Most Lumber Used in Building Construction Is Visually Graded

question 48

Essay

Most lumber used in building construction is visually graded. The traditional visual grading was done by trained graders, who would examine each lumber member for the straightness of grain and the number and size of defects (knots, shakes, and splits)and mark the appropriate grade on the member based on visual assessment. Recently, this procedure has been replaced by an alternative procedure. What is this new procedure called, and what is the fundamental difference between the new and the traditional procedure?

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Definitions:

Case Study

An in-depth analysis of a particular subject, group, or event to explore causation in order to find underlying principles.

Analogue Experiment

A research method in which the researcher attempts to replicate or simulate under controlled conditions aspects of a real-life situation.

Matched Design Study

A research design in which participants are paired or grouped based on certain shared characteristics to help ensure that the conditions being compared are as similar as possible.

Informed Consent

A process in which a patient voluntarily agrees to participate in a treatment, research study, or procedure after understanding the risks, benefits, and alternatives.