Fresh-wood bending: linking the mechanical and growth properties of a Norway spruce stem

To provide data and methods for analyzing stem mechanics, we investigated bending, density and growth characteristics of 207 specimens of fresh wood from different heights and radial positions of the stem of one mature Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) tree. From the shape of each stress-strain curve, which was calculated from bending tests that accounted for shear deformation, we determined the modulus of elasticity (MOE), the modulus of rupture (MOR), the completeness of the material, an idealized stress-strain curve and the work involved in bending. In general, all mechanical properties increased with distance from the pith, with values in the ranges of 5.7-18 GPa for MOE, 23-90 MPa for MOR and 370-630 and 430-1100 kg m(-3) for dry and fresh wood densities, respectively. The first three properties generally decreased with stem height, whereas fresh wood density increased. Multiple regression equations were calculated, relating MOR, MOE and dry wood density to growth properties. We applied these equations to the growth of the entire stem and considered the annual rings as superimposed cylindrical shells, resulting in stem-section values of MOE, MOR and dry and fresh densities as a function of stem height and cambial age. The standing tree exhibits an inner stem structure that is well designed for bending, especially at a mature stage.     

Variation in wood properties among five full-sib families of Norway spruce (Picea abies)

Genetic- and environmental variation and correlation patterns were characterized for modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) and related wood traits: latewood proportion, wood density, spiral grain, microfibril angle and lignin content in five full-sib families of Norway spruce. The families were evaluated on the basis of clearwood specimens from the juvenile -mature wood transition zone of 93 sampled trees at age 30 year from seed. Family-means varied significantly (p < 0.05) for all wood traits studied except lignin content. MOE varied between 7.9–14.1 GPa among trees and 9.4–11.0 GPa among families. MOR varied between 47–87 MPa among trees and 61–71 MPa among families. Families remained significantly different in an analysis of specific MOE (MOE/density) and MOR (MOR/density). Hence, solely relying on wood density as a wood quality trait in tree breeding would not fully yield the potential genetic gain for MOE and MOR. Correlations between wood structural traits and specific MOE and MOR are presented and discussed.     

Fresh-stem bending of silver fir and Norway spruce

The bending and growth characteristics of large fresh stems from four silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) and three Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) trees were studied. Twenty logs taken from different stem heights were subjected to four-point bending tests. From the bending test records, we calculated stress-strain curves, which accounted for detailed log taper, shear deformation and self weight. From these curves we determined, among other parameters, the modulus of elasticity (MOE), the modulus of rupture (MOR) and the work absorbed in bending (W). No significant differences were found between species for the wood properties examined. Values of MOE, MOR and W generally decreased with stem height, with MOR in the range of 43 to 59 MPa and MOE ranging from 10.6 to 15.6 GPa. These MOE values are twice or more those reported for stems of young Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) trees. Based on the radial growth properties measured in discs from the logs, we calculated predicted values of MOE and MOR for the stem cross section. The predictions of MOE were precise, whereas those of MOR were approximate because of a complex combination of different failure mechanisms. Methods to test and calculate MOE, MOR and W for the stems of living trees are discussed with the aim of improving analyses of tree biomechanics and assessments of forest stability protection.     

Prediction of wood stiffness, strength, and shrinkage in juvenile wood of radiata pine

Development of optimal ways to predict juvenile wood stiffness, strength, and stability using wood properties that can be measured with relative ease and low cost is a priority for tree breeding and silviculture. Wood static modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), radial, tangential, and longitudinal shrinkage (RS, TS, LS), wood density (DEN), sound wave velocity (SWV), spiral grain (SLG), and microfibril angle (MFA) were measured on juvenile wood samples from lower stem sections in two radiata pine test plantations. Variation between inner (rings 1–2 from pith) and outer (rings 3–6 from pith) rings was generally larger than that among trees. MOE and MOR were lower (50%) in inner-rings than in outer-rings. RS and TS were higher (30–50%) for outer-rings than inner-rings, but LS decreased rapidly (>200%) from inner-rings to outer-rings. DEN had a higher correlation with MOR than with MOE, while MFA had a higher correlation with dry wood MOE than with MOR. SLG had higher significant correlation with MOE than with MOR. DEN and MOE had a weak, significant linear relationship with RS and TS, while MOE had a strong negative non-linear relationship with LS. Multiple regressions had a good potential as a method for predicting billet stiffness (R ² > 0.42), but had only a weak potential to predict wood strength and shrinkage (R ² < 0.22). For wood stiffness acoustic velocity measurements seemed to be the most practical, and for wood strength and stability acoustic velocity plus core density seemed to be the most practical measurements for predicting lower stem average in young trees.     

Radial and between-family variations of the microfibril angle and the relationships with bending properties in Picea jezoensis families

With emphasis on tree breeding for wood quality in Picea jezoensis, we aimed to evaluate radial and between-family variations in the microfibril angle (MFA) of the S₂ layer in the latewood tracheids in 10 open-pollinated families of 43-year-old P. jezoensis trees. In addition, the relationships between MFA/wood density with the modulus of elasticity (MOE) or modulus of rupture (MOR) were investigated. Significant differences in MFA between families were found from the pith toward the bark. MFA showed higher values around the pith area, although some families showed relatively lower values than others around this area. In addition, due to a larger coefficient of variations of MFA near the pith, the potential for juvenile wood MFA improvement may be greater compared with mature wood. MOE was correlated with MFA in juvenile wood and with wood density in mature wood, whereas MOR was mainly correlated with wood density at radial positions in both woods. Therefore, to improve the MOE and MOR of P. jezoensis wood, both MFA and wood density would be factors to consider in both juvenile and mature woods. On the other hand, there are indications that, only wood density would be an important criterion for improving mature wood properties.     

Wood properties and their among-family variations in 10 open-pollinated families of Picea jezoensis

This study aimed to evaluate radial and among-family variations of wood properties in Picea jezoensis. A total of 174 trees were randomly selected from 10 open-pollinated families in a progeny trial for measuring stem diameter, dynamic Young’s modulus of log (DMOE_log), annual ring width (ARW), air-dry density (AD), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and modulus of rupture (MOR). Mean values of DMOE_log, AD, MOE, and MOR were 9.60 GPa, 0.41 g/cm³, 9.44 GPa, and 76.6 MPa, respectively. Significant differences among families were observed in all properties. F values obtained by analyzing variance in wood properties were higher than those generally observed in growth traits. In addition, F values in wood properties remained relatively higher from the 1st to 25th annual ring from the pith, although F value in ARW rapidly decreased with each increase in annual ring number. These results indicate that genetic factors largely contributed to the variance in wood properties compared with the growth traits.     

人工林杉木和杨树木材物理力学性质的株内变异研究

按照中国国家标准研究杉木和I-214杨树木材的抗弯弹性模量、抗弯强度、顺纹抗压强度和密度,同时按照日本国家标准研究2个树种的顺纹抗剪强度.结果表明:杉木的抗弯强度、顺纹抗压强度和密度由胸高直径处向上呈波浪形增加,抗弯弹性模量则稳定降低,但不同高度间杉木的物理力学性质没有显著差异;近树皮处木材的物理力学性质高于近髓心处木材,并有极显著差异.对于I-214杨树,只有抗弯弹性模量从髓心到树皮逐渐增加,其他的物理力学性质,最小值在从髓心到树皮的过渡区,最大值在近树皮处,从髓心到树皮,杨树的物理力学性质有极显著的差异.杉木和杨树的径面顺纹抗剪强度从髓心到树皮有极显著差异,并且近树皮的高于近髓心的木材,而弦面顺纹抗剪强度从髓心到树皮没有显著差异.木材密度与力学性质有很好的线性相关关系,木材密度是一个很好的力学强度的预测手段.     

Characterization of major,unused, and unvalued Indonesian wood species I. Dependencies of mechanical properties in transverse direction on the changes of moisture content and/or temperature

Mechanical property changes due to the moisture content (MC) and/or temperature changes were examined for 15 Indonesian wood species. A static bending test was carried out at 20°C, 65% relative humidity (air-dry), and water-saturated at 20°C (wet-20) and 80°C (wet-80). For individual test conditions, modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) increased linearly with specific gravity regardless of wood species; however, maximum deflection did not correlate with specific gravity for any MC or temperature conditions. The relative values of MOE and MOR measured in wet-20 to air-dry conditions were variously affected from slightly to strongly depending on the wood species. However, the relative values always decreased markedly when saturated in water at 80°C, regardless of wood species. The relative MOE, MOR, and maximum deflection values due to the change in MC or MC and temperature combined were independent of specific gravity but may be dependent on wood type: softwood or hardwood.     

An investigation of the influence of selected factors on the properties of spruce wood

Thirty Norway spruce trees (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) from the forest district of the ETH Zurich were tested for bending MOR, static MOE of bending and dynamic MOE (calculated from eigenfrequency and sound velocity). The specimens were clear and were sampled from the whole of the stem. Their correlations to density, annual ring width, height in the tree, distribution over the stem diameter and the percentage of compression wood were statistically analysed. All three elasticity modules and the maximal stress can be very well predicted from a linear function of the sample density with a common gradient across the compression wood values but with different intercepts that decrease with increasing compression wood content. The other variables have highly significant impacts on the response variables too, however, this is largely irrelevant for the goodness of fit. Further, a clear increase of density, of MOE and of bending MOR was measured from pith to bark and similarly with decreasing annual ring width. Concerning the height of the stem, no distinct trend for the mechanical properties could be found.     

Genetic variation and relationships to growth traits for microfibril angle,wood density and modulus of elasticity in a Picea abies clonal trial in southern Sweden

Abstract

Genetic variation in wood density, microfibril angle (MFA), wood stiffness (MOE), height, diameter and volume was investigated in a 26-year-old Norway spruce [(Picea abies (L.) Karst.] clonal trial in southern Sweden. Wood quality measurements were performed on 10 mm increment cores using SilviScan. For MFA, mean values of annual rings showed the highest value (30°) at ring 2 counting from the pith, followed by a steep decrease and a gradual stabilization around ring 12 at approximately 14°. MOE showed a monotonic increase from 5 GPa to 14 GPa when moving from pith to bark. High broad-sense heritability values were found for wood density (0.48), MFA (0.41) and MOE (0.50). All growth traits displayed heritability values of similar magnitudes as reported in earlier studies. The generally high age–age correlations between different sections of the wood cores suggested that early selection for wood quality traits would be successful. Owing to unfavorable genetic correlations between volume and MOE, the correlated response indicated that selection for volume only at age 10 would result in a 0.27% decrease in weighted MOE at age 26 for every 1% increase in volume.     

Within-stem variations in mechanical properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melia azedarach</Emphasis> planted in northern Vietnam

Within-stem variations in the mechanical properties of 17–19-year-old Melia azedarach planted in two sites in northern Vietnam were examined by destructive and nondestructive methods. Wood samples were collected from 10, 50, and 90% of the radial length from pith on both sides (North and South) at 0.3, 1.3, 3.3, 5.3, and 7.3 m heights above the ground. The mean values in whole trees of wood density (WD), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and dynamic modulus of elasticity (E_d) at 12% moisture content were 0.51 g/cm³, 78.58 MPa, 9.26 GPa, and 10.93 GPa, respectively. Within the stem, the radial position was a highly (p?<?0.001) significant source of variation in mechanical properties. MOR, MOE, and E_d increased from pith to bark. WD had a strong positive linear relationship with both MOR (r?=?0.85, p?<?0.001) and MOE (r?=?0.73, p?<?0.001). This suggests that it is potentially possible to improve mechanical properties through controlling WD. MOR had also a strong linear relationship with E_d (r?=?0.84, p?<?0.001). This indicates that E_d is a good indicator to predicting the strength of wood if the density of measured element is known. Besides, the stress wave method used in this study provides relatively accurate information for determining the stiffness of Melia azedarach planted in northern Vietnam.     

Dynamic modulus of elasticity and bending properties of young Taiwania trees grown with different thinning and pruning treatments

The effects of different thinning and pruning methods on the bending strength and dynamic modulus of elasticity (DMOE) of young Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides Hay) were investigated. The average DMOE, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and modulus of rupture (MOR) in the thinning treatments showed the following trend: no thinning > medium thinning > heavy thinning. This indicates that thinning reduces average bending properties. The average DMOE, MOE, and MOR in the pruning treatments showed the following trend: medium pruning > no pruning > heavy pruning. According to this tendency, better average qualities of lumber and specimens were from wood subjected to no-thinning and medium-pruning treatments according to an ultrasonic wave technique and static bending tests. However, most results showed no statistically significant differences among thinning, pruning, and thinning and pruning treatments. The average values of DMOE, MOE, and MOR of visually graded construction-grade lumber were significantly greater than those of below-grade lumber. Moreover, there were very significant positive relationships between density, ultrasonic velocity, DMOE, MOE, and MOR, although the determination coefficients were small.     

Mechanical properties assessment of Cunninghamia lanceolata plantation wood with three acoustic-based nondestructive methods

The objectives of this study were to establish the method of evaluating wood mechanical properties by acoustic nondestructive testing at standing trees and at logs of a Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) plantation, and to compare three acoustic nondestructive methods for evaluating the static bending modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), and compressive strength parallel-to-grain (σ_c) of plantation wood as well. Fifteen Chinese fir plantation trees at 36 years of age were selected. Each tree was cut into four logs, for which three values of dynamic modulus of elasticity, i.e., E _sw, of the north and south face based on stress waves to assume the measuring state of the standing tree, E _fr, longitudinal vibration, and E _us, ultrasonic wave, were measured in the green condition. After log measurements, small specimens were cut and air-dried to 12% moisture content (MC). Static bending tests were then performed to determine the bending MOE and MOR, and compressive tests parallel-to-grain were made to determine σ_c. The bending MOE of small clear specimens was about 7.1% and 15.4% less than E _sw and E _us, respectively, and 11.3% greater than E _fr. The differences between the bending MOE and dynamic MOE of logs as determined by the three acoustic methods were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Good correlation (R = 0.77, 0.57, and 0.45) between E _sw, E _fr, and E _us and static MOE, respectively, were obtained (P < 0.001). It can be concluded that longitudinal vibration may be the most precise and reliable technique to evaluate the mechanical properties of logs among these three acoustic nondestructive methods. Moreover, the results indicate that stress wave technology would be effective to evaluate wood mechanical properties both from logs and from the standing tree.     

Efficiency of early selection for rotation-aged wood quality traits in radiata pine

A total of 360 bark-to-bark-through-pith wood strips were sampled at breast height from 180 trees in 30 open-pollinated families from two rotation-aged genetic trials to study inheritance, age-age genetic correlation, and early selection efficiency for wood quality traits in radiata pine. Wood strips were evaluated by SilviScan® and annual pattern and genetic parameters for growth, wood density, microfibril angle (MFA), and stiffness (modulus of elasticity: MOE) for early to rotation ages were estimated. Annual ring growth was the largest between ages 2–5 years from pith, and decreased linearly to ages 9–10. Annual growth was similar and consistent at later ages. Wood density was the lowest near the pith, increased steadily to age 11–15 years, then was relatively stable after these ages. MFA was highest (35°) near the pith and reduced to about 10° at age 10–15 years. MFA was almost unchanged at later ages. MOE increased from about 2.5 GPa near the pith to about 20 GPa at ages 11–15 years. MOE was relatively unchanged at later ages. Wood density and MOE were inversely related to MFA. Heritability increased from zero near the pith and stabilised at ages 4 or 5 for all four growth and wood quality traits (DBH, density, MFA and MOE). Across age classes, heritability was the highest for area-weighted density and MFA, lowest for DBH, and intermediate for MOE. Age-age genetic correlations were high for the four traits studied. The genetic correlation reached 0.8 after age 7 for most traits. Early selection for density, MFA and MOE were very effective. Selection at age 7–8 has similar effectiveness as selection conducted at rotation age for MFA and MOE and at least 80% effective for wood density.     

Genetic variation in wood stiffness and strength properties of hybrid larch (Larix gmelinii var. japonica × L. kaempferi)

Genetic parameters for wood stiffness and strength properties were estimated in a 29-year-old hybrid larch stand (Larix gmelinii var. japonica × Larix kaempferi). The study included 19 full-sib larch families from Hokkaido, northern Japan. Implications of these genetic parameters in wood quality improvement are subsequently discussed. Traits included in the analyses were the dynamic modulus of elasticity of green logs (E _log), the modulus of elasticity (MOE), the modulus of rupture (MOR), compression strength parallel to the grain (CS) in small clear specimens, wood density (DEN), and diameter at breast height (DBH). DEN had the lowest coefficients of variation and MOE the highest. The narrow-sense heritability estimates of E _log, MOE, MOR, and CS were 0.61, 0.44, 0.60, and 0.43, respectively, and those of DEN and all mechanical properties increased from an inner to outer position within the stem. E _log and DEN had high positive phenotypic (0.52–0.83) and genetic (0.70–0.92) correlations with MOE, MOR, and CS. The mechanical properties of the inner position of the stem had rather high phenotypic and genetic correlations with those of the outer position and overall mean. The predicted gains in wood stiffness (E _log and MOE) were higher than those of the strength properties (MOR and CS). The predicted correlated responses in MOE, MOR, and CS when selecting for E _log and DEN were 72.6%–97.8% of a gain achievable from direct selection of these traits. DBH showed an insignificant correlation with all mechanical properties, although selection of this trait had a slightly negative effect on the mechanical properties.     

Assessment of flexural properties of different grade dimension lumber by ultrasonic technique

The dimension lumber （45mm×90mm×3700mm） of plantation Chinese fir （Cunninghamia lanceolata （Lamb.） Hook.） was graded to four different classes as SS, No. 1, No.2 and No.3, according to national lumber grades authority （NLGA） for structure light framing and structure joists and planks. The properties of apparent density was determined at 15% moisture content, bending strength and stiffness were tested according to American Society for Testing and Materials （ASTM） D198-99, and dynamic modulus of elasticity （Eusw） was measured by ultrasonic technique, for predicting the flexural properties of different grade lumbers. The results showed that Eosw was larger than the static MOE. The relationship between Eusw and static MOE was significant at 0.01 level, and the determination coefficients （R2） of the four grade lumbers followed the sequence as R^2No.2 （0.616）〉 R^2ss （0.567）〉 R^2No1 （0.366）〉 R^2No.3 （0.137）. The R^2 of Fusw and MOR were lower than that of the Etru and MOR for each grade. The Eusw of all the grade lumbers, except No.3-grade, had significant correlation with the static MOE and MOR, thus the bending strengthof those grade lumbers can be estimated by the E The Etru valuesof four grade lumbers followed a sequence as No.2-grade （10.701 GPa） 〉 SS-grade （10.359 GPa） 〉 No.l-grade （9.840 GPa） 〉 No.3-grade （9.554 GPa）. For the same grade dimension lumber, its Eusw value was larger than static MOE. Mean values of MOR for four grade lumbers follow a sequence as No.2-grade （48.67 MPa） 〉 SS-grade （48.16 MPa） 〉 No.3-grade （46.55 MPa） 〉 No. 1-grade （43.39MPa）.     

Flexural and visual characteristics of fibre-managed plantation Eucalyptus globulus timber

ABSTRACT

The main goal of this study was to investigate the visual characteristics, recovery rate, and flexural properties of sawn boards from a fibre-managed plantation Eucalyptus globulus resource as a potential raw material for structural building applications. The impacts of the visual characteristics, strength-reducing features, and variation in basic density and moisture content on the bending modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) of the boards were investigated. The reliabilities of different non-destructive methods in predicting MOE and MOR of the boards were evaluated, including log acoustic wave velocity measurement and numerical modellings. The MOE and MOR of the boards were significantly affected by the slope of grain, percentage of clear wood, and total number of knots in the loading zone of the boards. The normal variation in basic density significantly influenced the MOE of the boards while its effect on the MOR was insignificant. The numerical models developed using the artificial neural network (ANN) showed better accuracies in predicting the MOE and MOR of the boards than traditional multi-regression modelling and log acoustic wave velocity measurement. The ANN models developed in this study showed more than 78.5% and 79.9% success in predicting the adjusted MOE and MOR of the boards, respectively.     

蔗髓含量对蔗渣碎料板性能的影响研究

研究了蔗髓含量（质量分数）分别在10%、20%、30%、40%4种不同情况下蔗渣碎料板的密度、静曲强度、弹性模量、内结合强度、吸水厚度膨胀率和板面握钉力等物理力学性能的变化规律.结果发现，随蔗髓含量的增加，板材的密度增加，弹性模量和板面握钉力下降；在蔗髓含量低于20%以下时，蔗髓的存在对板材的静曲强度无明显影响，而随蔗髓含量增加，吸水厚度膨胀率影响显著上升；在蔗髓含量高于20%以上时，蔗髓的含量增加使板材静曲强度明显下降，而对吸水厚度膨胀率无影响；蔗髓的含量对板材的内结合强度影响不明显.     

Ranking larch genotypes with the Rigidimeter: relationships between modulus of elasticity of standing trees and of sawn timber

? Direct assessment of modulus of elasticity (MOE) on standing trees is attractive for breeders to evaluate genotypes prior to selection: this can be done using the Rigidimeter, a bending-based measurement device.

? In this study, we tested its reliability to properly rank genotypes by relating trunk MOE with MOEs estimated with a vibrating analysis system (Bing) on different types of conditioned wood specimens from the same trees (boards and standardised 2×2×30 cm-clear-wood specimens). One hundred and ten trees from different genotypes of hybrid larch (Larix × eurolepis) were tested.

? Mean trunk MOE was 7 300 MPa with a similar value obtained for sawn boards. Clear-wood specimens MOE increased from pith to bark from less than 6 000 MPa to nearly 9 000 MPa. Moderate correlations (r = 0.48–0.61) were found at the individual tree level between trunk MOE and MOE of wood samples.

? Single specimen MOE was shown to be strongly related to a linear combination of trunk MOE and sample position.

? At the genotype mean level, trunk MOE was highly correlated with wood samples MOE (r = 0.80–0.91). Ranking of genotypes based on trunk MOE was mostly consistent with that based on standardised specimens.

? It was concluded that besides other operational advantages which are discussed, the Rigidimeter is a valuable tool for breeders to routinely evaluate and rank genotypes for stiffness prior to further selection.

     

Using non-destructive testing to assess modulus of elasticity of Pinus sylvestris trees

Abstract

This study assessed variation in modulus of elasticity of trees and logs of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) trees. The study used 192 sample trees (c. 90–150 years) selected from 24 clear-felling forests in central and southern Sweden. Modulus of elasticity (MOE) assessed with transit-time technology on standing tree stems at 0.5–2.0m on the southern and northern side of each tree varied from 8.6 to 17.6 GPa. No systematic MOE difference was found between the southern and northern side of tree stems. The sometimes large MOE variations seen in some individual trees are probably a result of wood variation and wood defects. MOE assessed with resonance-based technology varied between 7.4 and 14.1 GPa for logs cut at similar height (<6.0 m). Models of MOE variation were derived from factors related to growth conditions at stand and tree level, with an R ² _adj of c. 0.46–0.62. The models indicate that growth and tree attributes associated with and/or creating less stem taper would yield trees with higher MOE.