Mechanical Properties of Woods

The modulus of elasticity of wood is the highest in the longitudinal direction, and it range usually lies between 1 million and 2 million psi (6.9 and 13.8GPa). The modulus of elasticity in radial direction is around 10% of that in longitudinal direction, and that in tangential direction is about one-half of that in radial direction.

The compressive strength of wood parallel to the grain is much greater than that perpendicular to grain. The compressive strength perpendicular to the grain is about 12% to 18% of that parallel to grain.

The maximum bending stress is also expressed as modulus of rupture. Failure of timber member subject to bending usually starts with wrinkling and crushing of compression zone fibres, followed by splitting or snapping of tension zone fibres.

The tensile strength of wood parallel to grain is the greatest of all strength characteristics. It is about two to four times the compressive strength parallel to the grain. The tensile strength of wood perpendicular to the grain is very small, and it is usually taken as zero during allowable stress design.



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