Wood toughness is a mechanical property of interest in structural design where load impact must be considered, as in the construction of silos, bridges and formwork for reinforced concrete structures. However, toughness is not an integral part of the mechanical properties commonly investigated in the characterization of this material. This study aimed to investigate, with the aid of analysis of variance and Charpy pendulum test, the influence of moisture content (30; 20; 12; 6; 0%) to obtain the toughness of angelim saia (Vatairea sp), Eucalyptus grandis, Pinus elliottii and Corimbia citriodora wood species, considering the orientation of growth rings in relation to the direction of impact load. Statistical analysis carried out using ANOVA and Tukey test revealed significant influence of moisture content on toughness only with respect to angelim saia wood. Statistical analysis also showed equivalent results for the other three species, that is, moisture content did not significantly influence toughness. Thus, we conclude that moisture content may be significant in obtaining toughness according to the wood species analyzed and higher moisture content can provide higher values of toughness.
wood; toughness; water content