Variability of spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) compression strength with present reaction wood

Abstract

The aim of research was to find out the variability of spruce (Picea abies [L.]) Karst.) wood compression strength limits in the direction parallel to grain. The wood strength was examined using samples from a tree with present reaction (compression) wood. The strength was found out for individual stem zones (CW, OW, SWL and SWR). The zone with present compression wood (CW) demonstrated slightly higher values of wood strength limits. The differences in the limits of compression strength parallel to grain in individual zones were not statistically significant. All the data acquired by measuring were used to create 3D models for each zone. The models describe the strength along the radius and along the stem height. The change of strength along the stem radius was statistically highly significant. There was an obvious tendency towards an increase in the strength limit in the first 40 years. With the increased stem height, there is a slight decrease in wood strength.

Keywords

• strength parallel to grain
• spruce
• compression wood
• reaction wood