early 1800s ohio timber speciestimber cracks

huangyhg

early 1800's ohio timber species/timber cracks
i am analyzing timber roof trusses, investigating the potential of turning current attic space into office space. the building was built in the early 1800's in urbana, ohio. where might i be able to find information about the species of the wood?
also, some of the larger members have shrinkage checks along their centerlines. nds does not have any factor to adjust for this, it is typically accounted for in the grading rules for new construction. since i do not know the grade or species of the wood, how can i incorporate these defects into my allowable stress values? could they lower any stress values besides fv, shear stress?
check out our whitepaper library.
checking of large timbers used for trusses is not uncommon and because the elements are generally loaded in tension or compression, checking generally has little effect.  failure of trusses is generally initiated at the joint and joints should be carefully reviewed.  species can be determined by someone specializing in wood... you might check with a local university.  grade is likely comparible to select... early timber was usually cut from mature trees with closer spaced annual rings and fewer defects... again a local timber specialist can be invaluable.
dik
the usda forest products lab offers a wood identification program. here is a link to get started
"effect of damage on the grade yield of recycled lumber"