GRADING AND TESTING OF MARITIME PINE ROUNDWOOD

摘要

This paper presents work carried out with the aim of characterizing the mechanical behaviour and developing visual and mechanical strength grading systems for Portuguese Maritime pine roundwood. Two samples, one of 200 Maritime pine logs and another of 59, were collected in an interior central region of Portugal. After drying, the logs were visually graded, subjected to non destructive tests, for determination of dynamic modulus of elasticity and finally subjected to destructive tests, for determining its bending and compression strength and bending modulus of elasticity, according to EN 14251. Based on results, conclusions were drawn regarding the most appropriate features to be used in the visual strength grading process. From this analysis a proposal was developed to visually grade Portuguese Maritime pine roundwood.