imber species and grade

huangyhg

timber species and grade
are there any reliable methods to determine the species and grade of existing timber construction without having any design documents available? non-destructive testing?
i was not able to find any information stamped on any of the members.
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one solution is to send samples of the wood, with suitable documentation, to the forest products lab, madison, wi and ask them to identify the wood.  when i did this for the wood in some heavy timber trusses, i used a hole cutter saw and cut some 1" diameter by 1/4" thick samples, sealed them in zip-lock baggies with a data card describing the location and type of framing   
motorcity,
most any wood technologist should be able to identify the wood species without destructive testing as long as end grain is accessible.  you might try a university extension service.  if, as your name seems to indicate, you are in michigan, you have a couple of the best in the country available.
he will need enough access to see side grain and end grain on the wood.  tools needed are a sharp pocket knife and hand lens.
grade is almost entirely visual so he should be able to develop this at the same time.
griffy