Compression Strength of Brazilian Exotics Wood Species Perpendicular to the Grain

摘要

Wood is a natural material that present variability of their properties. When used as ties in railways or as bridges decks, wood is request with compressive loads in direction perpendicular to the grain. The aim of this research is determining the compressive perpendicular to the grain strength (f_(c90)) of two Brazilian exotic wood species. Tests were carried out using wood of Corymbia (Corymbia citriodora) and Pinus (Pinus taeda L.). Specimens and test methods were realizes according to Brazilian Standard Code ABNTNBR 7190:1997 (specimens at 12% of moisture content). Compressive perpendicular to the grain strength values to Corymbia and Pinus were equal to 17.00 MPa and 3.60 MPa, respectively. More studies about mechanical and physical properties of wood is important to rationalize their uses and provide greater knowledge about this material.