The objective of the present study was to propose an alternative method of calculation based on the Least Squares Method to determine the bending modulus of elasticity in timber beams with structural dimensions. The developed equations require the knowledge of one or five points of displacements along the length of the beam. This method allows greater reliability on the response variable and, it is based on the static three points bending tests. The proposed methodology was applied according to the recommendations of the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 7190:1997, adapted for spans with structural dimensions. The tests were performed on seven Corymbia citriodora wood specimens with 540 cm of height, 15 cm of width and 5 cm of thickness. In preliminary tests was determined the value of the load responsible for causing a vertical displacement in the centre of the span (L/200), where L is the distance between the support beams. The obtained load was divided into seven equal parts, with seven load increments of intensity 39.60 N and recorded the displacements corresponding to each of these load levels. The results of the confidence interval indicated statistical equivalence between the modulus of elasticity for both forms of calculation and for the seven increments of displacements. Due to the possible presence of defects and the heterogeneity of the wood, the results should not be extrapolated to other woods of the same or different species, justifying the use of this calculation method developed in each research.
Sawn timber; Bending modulus of elasticity; Least Squares Method
