The influence of pine logs (Pinus sylvestris L.) quality class on the mechanical properties of timber

Abstract

This study analyzed how the quality class (A, B, C) of pine logs (Pinus sylvestris L.) from the Silesian Forestry Region influences the mechanical properties of timber produced from those logs. The study utilized 210 pieces of timber with nominal cross section dimensions of 40 × 138 mm that were 3500 mm long and made of logs from a specific quality class. From these timber pieces, the density (with the stereometric method), the dynamic modulus of elasticity (using the Mobile Timber Grader device), the global modulus of elasticity, and static bending strength (EN-408 2012) was determined. On the basis of the conducted analyses, the log quality class influenced the physical and mechanical parameters of structural timber to a limited degree. However, statistically significant differences were not found for the density, dynamic and global modulus of elasticity, and bending strength between timber elements made of logs from A and B quality classes (Anova analysis with significance level p < 0.05).