The Influence of Different Factors on Bending Strength ofPinus canariensisandPinus pinasterPoles

Abstract

SUMMARY Pinus canariensis C. Smith and Pinus pinaster Aiton telephone and transmission poles were tested for bending strength. The number of rings in the outer area of the poles as well as the percentage latewood and the position and sizes of the knots were not correlated with bending strength. Wood density and ground line diameter explained 68% of the variability of the force required at failure. The force required at a fixed deflection were highly correlated to the force at failure (R2 = 0,78). Additional up-to-date strength data on poles of 34 other South African grown species is given.