Material Resistance and Moisture Dynamics of Beech Wood (Fagus orientalis)

Abstract

In this paper, the natural durability of commercial wood (beech wood) was studied by measuring its water exclusion efficacy and durability against fungi. This information was utilized in the Meyer−Veltrup model to calculate the resistance dose. The results showed that Fagus orientalis (Lipsky) heartwood and sapwood were less durable (DC 4−5). After one hour of immersion, the water uptake in F. orientalis sapwood was 19%, slightly more than that determined with F. orientalis heartwood (18.9%). Water immersion after 24 h was highest for F. orientalis sapwood (45.4%), followed by F. orientalis heartwood (40.9%). Up to 54.2% median MLF on F. orientalis heartwood and up to 61.1% median MLF on F. orientalis sapwood were attributed to the white fungus T. versicolor. In contrast, the lowest median MLF was caused by F. orientalis heartwood and sapwood by the white fungus H. fragiforme. 35.4% median MLF on F. orientalis was caused by terrestrial microcosms. Based on the resistance model, the first signs of fungal decay on F. orientalis heartwood and sapwood wood will develop after 312 and 294 days of favorable conditions, respectively.