Abstract
Eucalyptus nitens is a fast-growing wood species with a relevant presence in countries like Australia and Chile. The sustainable construction goals have driven the search of structural applications for Eucalyptus nitens; however, this process has been complicated due to the defects usually presented in these timber boards. This study aims to evaluate the dynamic elasticity modulus (Exd) of Eucalyptus nitens timber boards through non-destructive vibration-based tests. Thirty-six timber boards with different levels of knots and cracks were instrumented and tested in a simply supported condition by measuring longitudinal and transverse vibrations. In the first stage, the Exd was calculated globally through simplified normative formulas. Then, in a second stage, the local variability of the Exd was estimated using operational modal analysis (OMA), finite element numerical simulations (FEM), and regional sensitivity analysis (RSA). The positive correlation found between the global static modulus of elasticity and Exd suggests that non-destructive techniques could be used as a reliable and fast alternative for the assessment of bending stiffness. Finally, the proposed method to estimate the local variability of Exdt based on the combination of OMA, FEM, and RSA techniques was useful to improve the structural selection process of timber boards for lightweight social housing floors.
Highlights
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing countries to use materials that promote sustainable construction
Chile is among the 10 countries with the largest areas of planted forest [2], reaching a total of 22,900 km2 accumulated for the year 2017 [3]
Eucalyptus nitens has been more focused on the production of pulp, paper, and biofuels
Summary
There has been a growing interest in developing countries to use materials that promote sustainable construction. Chile is among the 10 countries with the largest areas of planted forest [2], reaching a total of 22,900 km accumulated for the year 2017 [3]. The planted species with the highest potential for construction uses are. Pinus radiata has been destined in a higher percentage to generate timber for structural use. Eucalyptus nitens has been more focused on the production of pulp, paper, and biofuels. In recent years, this trend has been trying to be reversed, because Eucalyptus nitens grown in Chile generally has better physical and mechanical properties than Pinus radiata [4]
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