Forest Products Laboratory

Title: Grading and properties of small-diameter Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine tapered logs

Author: Green, David W.; Gorman, Thomas M.; Evans, James W.; Murphy, Joseph Francis; Hatfield, Cherilyn A.

Date: 2008

Source: Forest products journal. Vol. 58, no. 11 (Nov. 2008): pages 33-41.

Description: Approximately 375 Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine logs, 3 to 6 inches in diameter, were tested in third-point bending and in compression parallel to the grain. The moisture content at time of test was about 14 percent. Good correlations were found between the modulus of elasticity (MOE) in static bending and those obtained by transverse vibration. Good correlations were also found between modulus of rupture (MOR) and MOE. A species independent relationship was established between ultimate compression stress parallel to the grain and MOR. A mechanical grading system previously developed for 9-inch diameter logs was shown applicable to small-diameter logs.

Keywords: Wood, mechanical properties, grading, elasticity, modulus of elasticity, ponderosa pine, flexure, bending, Douglas fir, compression testing, moisture, vibration, wood quality, logs, smallwood, bending strength, small timbers, small-diameter timber, strength, stiffness, moisture content, transverse vibration, vibration tests

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Citation

Green, David W.; Gorman, Thomas M.; Evans, James W.; Murphy, Joseph Francis; Hatfield, Cherilyn A.  2008.  Grading and properties of small-diameter Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine tapered logs.   Forest products journal. Vol. 58, no. 11 (Nov. 2008): pages 33-41..