Physical and mechanical properties of Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. wood planted in Brazil

Abstract

Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. is described in the literature as a species with good stem shape and fast growth, being a potential alternative for the implantation of new forest stands in Brazil. The study aimed to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of C. lanceolata wood, growing in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, in order to delineate its potential at 24 years of age as a source of raw material for the production of sawn wood of small dimensions and structural purpose. Three trees were felled to determine the basic density and apparent specific density (12%, 0% and green wood), as well as the dimensional stability and mechanical properties in static bending, shear and compression parallel to the grain. The wood of C. lanceolata presented basic density classified as light and lower than that recorded for individuals of the same species growing in China, while the parameters related to the dimensional stability of the wood were similar. In general, the species planted in Brazil showed lower resistance and stiffness in the static bending test, and higher compressive and parallel shear resistance than that presented by the same species of plantations in China. The differences observed in relation to the studies used for comparison with the same species can be attributed, in addition to the place of cultivation, to the higher density of plantations used in the stands implanted in the country of origin.

Keywords:
Density; Mechanical resistence; Shrinkage; Alternative species