USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory - BMRA Member
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Established in 1910 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL) in Madison Wisconsin, serves the public as the nation's leading wood research institute. FPL is recognized both nationally and internationally as an unbiased technical authority on wood science and use. Our research is concentrated in one location to promote an interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. FPL cooperates with many universities, industries, and federal and state agencies.
Today, more than 250 scientists and support staff conduct research on expanded and diverse aspects of wood use. Research concentrates on pulp and paper products, housing and structural uses of wood, wood preservation, wood and fungi identification, and finishing and restoration of wood products. In addition to traditional lines of research, FPL is responding to environmental pressures on the forest resource by using cutting-edge techniques to study recycling, develop environmentally friendly technology, and understand ecosystem-based forest management.
About Dr. Falk
Dr. Falk is a Research Engineer in the Engineered Properties and Structures Research Work Unit. His research focuses on the development of value-added products from wood waste materials. This work includes the development of reuse options for salvaged lumber and timber as well as the development of composites from waste natural fibers and waste thermoplastics. In addition to developing a basic understanding of the engineering properties of these materials, Dr. Falk is active in helping develop the engineering property and engineering design standards necessary to facilitate their widespread use in construction applications.
Dr. Falk has participated in many technical committees, including the American Society for Testing and Materials, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), American Institute of Timber Construction, and the International Council for Building Research Studies and Documentation. He is a registered professional engineer in California and Wisconsin holds a BS degree in Civil Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, an MS degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University, and a Ph.D. degree in Structural Engineering from Washington State University.
To find out more or to access literally dozens of documents written by Dr. Falk and others, please go to: http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/rwu4714/robert-falk.html
You can click on the image below to find our more about Dr. Falk's recent book:
