Compression Parallel to the Grain of Branch Wood Compared to Stem Wood

Abstract

This paper compares the compression strength parallel to the grain of branch wood of maple (Acer spp), beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) with the compression strength of stem wood. Maple and beech branch wood have similar strengths to stem wood of the same species, which makes them alternative to stem wood raw materials. The compression strength of branch Scots pine was half the strength of Scots pine stem wood. Interpretation of results was enhanced by micrographs viewed on SEM and Laboval compound microscope.