Grading of Portuguese Maritime Pine Small-Diameter Roundwood

Abstract

AbstractThis paper presents work carried out with the aim of characterizing the mechanical behavior and developing visual and machine-strength grading systems for Portuguese maritime pine roundwood for structural applications. Two samples of forty maritime pine logs each were collected, one in a northern region of Portugal and another in an interior central region. After drying, the logs were visually graded and subjected to nondestructive tests, using vibration and ultrasounds, for determination of dynamic modulus of elasticity. The logs were then subjected to destructive tests for determining bending and compression strength and bending modulus of elasticity. These results were analyzed in order to identify the features to be considered in the strength grading process. From this analysis, a proposal was developed to visually grade Portuguese maritime pine roundwood in two strength grades. According to the European strength class standard for solid timber, the upper grade has similar mechanical propertie...