Evaluating lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) affected by mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) for development of wood-cement board.

Assessing the shelf life of wood from mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus pondersoa [Hopkins]) killed lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia) in terms of its compatibility for Portland cement was examined. Two methods of assessment were used, based on the behavior of the exothermic chemical reaction of cement hydration, accounting for the difference between neat cement paste and wood-cement mixtures. A new wood-cement compatibility index meant to integrate current approaches was defined. No evidence was found of limitations in terms of beetle-killed heartwood wood compatibility with cement except for the white rot infested samples. An outstanding physicochemical behavior characterized the mixtures of blue-stained sapwood and cement. Three compositions of ingredients were proposed for fabricating wood-cement boards that would meet the technical specifications given by the gypsum board standards with respect to strength and stiffness. In absence of pressing, the water was the factor used to regulate workability during the molding process.--P.ii.