Storage of Special Items.

TM 38-400/NAVSUP PUB 572/AFMAN 23-210 MCO 4450.14/DLAM 4145.12

shooks instead of box lumber for the majority of

aisles. Stocks may be stacked from the center of the

standard box requirements. Shooks can be procured in

shed out, in back-to-back storage, or completely through

open-end contracts and delivered in the quantities

the shed depending on quantity and similarity of stocks

required for normal operations. Thus, storage space is

stored. Surfacing requirements for open sheds are

required for only a 30to 60-day supply of each type

similar or equal to those required for open lumber

shook. This reduces lumber storage yard requirements

storage areas.

and, proportionately, the need for stack foundations,

b. Sheds-closed.

stickers, bolsters, pile spacers, butt boards, box

(1) Uses for closed sheds. Closed sheds are

manufacturing machinery, and the intradepot hauling of

used primarily for the storage of well-seasoned or kiln-

lumber.

dried lumber, plywood, molding, frame stock, and other

b. Storage of lignum vitae. Lignum vitae is a

show-type lumber intended for special use where end-

greenish brown, hard, and heavy wood. Usually, it is

use moisture content requirements will be 12 percent

stocked as blocks or logs. There is only one correct

and less. The objective during storage is to prevent the

method of storage for lignum vitae, which is to store

lumber from absorbing atmospheric moisture. For this

submerged in fresh water.

There are various

reason, it is advantageous to stack lumber and other

satisfactory methods of underwater storage.

One

items solidly with only sufficient stickers to stabilize the

method is to drive the U- or I-bolt into the end of the

stack or to designate quantities, grades, or items of

logs or blocks, attach the bolt to a cable, and place in

stock.

any pond or other body of fresh water. In the absence

(2) Floor surfacing. Closed sheds should be

of natural water storage facilities, ponds or tanks must

provided with floors, preferably concrete, asphalt, wood

be prepared for the submerged storage of this wood.

block, or planking.

Loose surfacing is not too

When lignum vitae is stored in tanks or ponds, it is not

satisfactory and, earthen floors, particularly if the shed is

necessary that the water be changed as stagnant water

located on a low damp site, may increase the moisture

will protect this wood as well as water that is constantly

within the shed. For this reasons, closed sheds should

being changed.

Lignum vitae quickly becomes

be located on dry well-drained sites. Ventilation of the

unsuitable for use if stored exposed to the air; therefore,

shed should be provided by adequate and adjustable

another method will not be substituted for the

openings in the walls. Stack foundations in closed

submerged storage of this material.

sheds should be high enough to permit air to circulate

c. Storage of plywood. Plywood will normally be in

beneath the stacks. Stagnant air underneath the stacks

a dry condition when received and should be stored in a

probably would accumulate excessive dampness and

closed shed, particularly when the plywood has interior

thus, increase the moisture content of the lumber in the

gluelines. For pro-longed storage, a heated storage

lower part of the stack. If the floor is earth or surfaced

building is recommended. Plywood is commonly solid

with some loose-surfacing materials, the stack

piled. Under humid conditions, there is some tendency

foundations should be about 12 inches in height. When

for edges to swell because of exposed end grain; this

the shed floor is surfaced with concrete or other hard

swelling causes dishing, especially in the upper panels

surfacing, a clearance of 4 inches beneath the stack is

of high piles. Dishing can be minimized by placing

sufficient.

stickers in the pile at intervals. Enough stickers should

(3) Heating of closed sheds. The efficiency

be used so that plywood will not bend between them.

of a closed shed in maintaining a low moisture content

Dry 1-inch strips are suitable for stickering plywood.

in lumber and other items for high-grade end uses is

d. Storage of timbers. Moisture content itself is not

increased greatly if heat is available when weather

of major concern for timbers. The objectives in timber

conditions require it.

When a source of heat is

storage are to prevent serious deterioration and at the

available, a low relative humidity within the shed and

same time accomplish slight drying. Timbers held in

consequently, a low equilibrium moisture content for the

open air storage are subject to checking, splitting, and

lumber can be maintained by increasing the shed

wraping. They are also subject to decay. Checking,

temperature 10 F. to 20 F. above the outdoor

splitting, and warping are associated with shrinkage,

temperature. The heating system should be arranged

stresses generated by the drying of the outer portions.

so that the temperature throughout the shed is uniform.

Decay can result where infection takes place in those

portions of timbers that are exposed to moisture and air.

5-9. Storage of Special Items.

In large timbers, end checks may occur that are likely to

a. Storage of shooks. Shooks should be stored

develop into splits that may extend a considerable -

undercover, preferably near the main packaging areas.

Many activities find it beneficial to procure

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