The economic feasibility of producing yellow-poplar oriented strandboard in the Appalachian region

This study has been conducted in order to determine whether yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera Michx.), has the economic and technical potential to be manufactured and marketed as oriented strandboard (OSB) in Elkins, West Virginia and Frederick, Maryland. The estimated annual excess growth of yellow-poplar near Elkins could provide more than enough timber to supply a 120 MMSF OSB facility (3/8-inch basis); however, the estimated annual excess growth of yellow-poplar available near Frederick is insufficient to provide the total wood requirement for a facility of this size. Yellow-poplar is a relatively low density species, and is suitable for the production of OSB. The manufacture of yellow-poplar OSB is viable, employing commercially available technology. OSB is a suitable substitute for softwood plywood sheathing. The panel markets within radii of approximately 300 miles of both Elkins, West Virginia and Frederick, Maryland are sufficient to support the addition of a 120 MMSF OSB facility at either location. Equipment and operating requirements and costs have been estimated for 1982. Using a USDA Forest Service computer program, EVALUE, an internal rate of return on investment (IRR) of 15.2 percent was calculated for Elkins, and 14.3 percent for Frederick. The sensitivity of facility productivity to an increase of 10 percent in the cost of wood, and resin, and to a 10 percent decrease in the price of panels has also been calculated.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Forestry and Forestry Products

Department dc:contributor.department

Forestry and Forestry Products

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Year dc:date.issued

1983

Author dc:creator

• Brown, Lisa Ann

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10919/102601

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/102601