Some orthotropic elastic properties of Fagus orientalis as influenced by moisture content
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of moisture content on some orthotropic elastic properties of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis). The elastic properties investigated include EL, ER, ET, νLR, νLT, νRL, νRT, νTL and νTR under compression. Compression strength in all orthotropic directions was also studied. Specimens were cut from sapwood of beech logs and sorted into four matched MC groups. Clear wood samples were conditioned at 20°C and 50, 65, 85, 95 % RH and subjected to compression tests. A digital image correlation technique was used to capture the strains during testing. Young modulus, Poisson ratios, and compression strength were calculated and compared for all orthotropic directions. Results indicated that Young modulus and compression strength of the samples tested were strongly affected by moisture content. Poisson rations seem to less sensitive to the MC changes.