PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF <i>Eucalyptus benthamii</i> WOOD UNDER THE EFFECT OF THE PLANTING SPACING

Abstract

In this study, it was determined the physical and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus benthamii wood, at the age of six years, in four planting spacings (3x2, 3x3, 3x4, 4x4m).  To the evaluation of physical properties, discs were sampled at five positions on the shaft of the tree (0,10 m, 1,30 m, 25%, 50 % and 75 % of total height). In the evaluation of mechanical properties, obtaining timber that were converted to manufacture samples used on the mechanical test, following norms of COPANT. The mechanical properties were analyzed statistically under the effect of spacing and to physical properties too regarding sampling position. The basic density was not influenced by the planting spacing, but was recorded decreasing variation in the values of this property with increasing sampling height. Latter spacings adversely affected the shrinkage in the radial direction (RR) but not the tangential (RT). The RR and RT were also affected by the sampling position. The volumetric shrinkage and the coefficient of anistropy showed a decreasing value with increasing height of the shaft. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) and rupture (MOR) in static bending, the shear strength and modulus of elasticity in compression were not values influenced by spacing, while the shear and compression stiffness in axial and tangential direction showed some effect of spacing, no clear trend in this variation. It was concluded that different spacings do not directly influence the physical and mechanical properties of Eucalytpus benthamii