Researchers and industry professionals from around the world gathered in Vicksburg, Mississippi, USA, for the 24th International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium.
First held in 1963, the symposium rotates between locations in the United States and abroad and has become one of the leading venues for sharing research and practical applications of a wide range of nondestructive testing technologies for evaluating wood and wood-based materials—from the assessment of standing trees to in place structures.
This year’s event was held May 19–22 at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDCWERX) facility and co-organized by Mississippi State University, USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), International Union of Forest Research Organization (IUFRO) Division 5, and the ERDCWERX. The symposium brought together about 40 participants representing 15 countries across five continents. The event highlighted the latest research findings in nondestructive testing and evaluation technologies across five technical sessions: NDT for Log and Timber Grading, Urban Tree Inspection and Risk Assessment, NDT for Mass Timber and Engineered Wood Products, NDT for Heritage and Historic Wood Structures, and Wood Quality Assessment in Forestry.
Beyond the technical presentations, the meeting also provided participants with a hands-on workshop focused on nondestructive testing methods and condition assessment of wood structures, featuring case studies from Brazil and China. Attendees also toured the historic USS Cairo at Vicksburg National Military Park and observed live demonstrations of NDT tools.
Clemson University and WU+D played active roles throughout the event. Dr. Brunela Pollastrelli Rodrigues, Assistant Professor of Wood Utilization and Biomaterials in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation and also a faculty member of the WU+D, has been actively involved with the NDTE of Wood Symposium series for the past three years, serving as a member of the International Organizing Committee for the NDTE of Wood Symposium series. During the event, Dr. Rodrigues presented two topics and moderated two sessions, while her graduate student, Anjila Lamichhane, presented a topic about her PhD project.
In addition, Dr. Brandon Ross, Cottingham Professor of Civil Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering and faculty member of the WU+D, and his student Matthew Gutow presented findings from their ongoing research project, highlighting advances in the assessment and performance evaluation of timber pile structures.
The symposium also recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to the field and to the symposium. Clemson University’s Brunela Pollastrelli Rodrigues received a Special Recognition Award in appreciation of her work supporting the event. This award was also received by Dr. Laurice Correa, Dr. Keving Ragon, and Amy Ragon of Mississippi State University. Dr. Rubin Shmulsky of Mississippi State University received the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his leadership in the field and significant contributions to nondestructive evaluation of wood.
Another milestone celebrated during the symposium was the publication of International Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation of Wood Symposium Series: 60 Years of Research, a compendium documenting six decades of symposium proceedings and research contributions.
As a sponsor of the symposium, WU+D was proud to support an event that advances innovation, strengthens international partnerships, and promotes the continued growth of wood science and engineering worldwide.
Banquet and Recognitions
Duber Garces
Grad Research Assistant
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Clemson University
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