ABSTRACT Using wooden structural members removed from a 500-year-old Japanese temple under renovation as specimens, the effects on the mechanical properties (dynamic Young’s modulus) brought about by cross-sectional voids such as mortises and insect holes, were examined. Then, in order to examine the effects of aging, small clear specimens were cut from the removed structural members (aged wood) and store-bought timbers (new wood), and their mechanical properties (dynamic Young’s modulus, tensile Young’s modulus and tensile strength) were compared. When all voids were eliminated from the removed aged wood, the dynamic Young’s modulus increased by a factor of 1.55. The results for the small clear specimens showed that the dynamic Young’s modulus and tensile Young’s modulus were similar for the aged and new wood, while the tensile strength of the aged wood was 42% lower on average than that of the new wood. Although eliminating cross-sectional voids in the removed aged wood improved mechanical performance, it was found that even in a void-free condition, the tensile strength of wood decreased significantly due to aging, suggesting that the use-environment should be considered when reusing removed timber.
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