Physical and Mechanical Characterization of Copaifera sp. Wood Specie

Abstract

Wood has been used by mankind for many years in many purposes specially in construction and manufacture. It is necessary to characterize unknown species as an alternative for human use due to predatory harvest of well-known wood species; in consequence, possible shortage of this wood. This study intended to determine, under the Brazilian Standard ABNT NBR 7190, the mechanical properties of Copaiba wood (Copaifera sp.), and with the analysis of variance (ANOVA), handling the regression models, predict the values of strength and stiffness as a function of apparent density. Twelve models were used for each test, totalizing 180 experimental results. The mechanical properties of Copaifera sp. presented on tests demonstrated compatible performance with common wood species used in civil construction. According the regression models, any properties were considered significant with apparent density estimation.