Predicting the mechanical behaviour of solid pine timber elements thyough non and semi-destructive methods

Abstract

Timber elements can be foreseen as lengthwise composites of clear and knot zones, being the clear wood zones greatly responsible for stiffness and the weakest zones (worst knots shown by the timber element) for the ultimate strength capacity. In the present study non destructive techniques (ultrasounds and visual grading) and semi-destructive techniques (tension meso-specimens and core drilling) are used and tested as tools for evaluating clear wood properties. These properties are then used to predict the global modulus of elasticity of maritime pine timber beams. The results obtained delivered important information concerning variability within and between timber pieces. The non and semidestructive techniques used have shown a reasonable capability to predict the clear wood properties and to deliver a good prediction of the global bending modulus of elasticity.