Strength and Stiffness of Red Alder and Bigleaf Maple Pallet Materials

Samples of deckboards and stringers of Pacific Northwest red alder and bigleaf maple were tested in static bending to determine strength and stiffness properties useful in pallet designing. Deckboard modulus of elasticity (MOE) at 12 percent moisture content (MC) averaged 1,488,000 psi for alder and 1,534,000 psi for maple; corresponding stringer MOE was 1,234,000 psi for alder and 1,311,000 psi for maple. Deckboard modulus of rupture (MOR) associated with the 5 percent exclusion limit at 12 percent MC was 5,841 psi for alder and 5,346 psi for maple; corresponding stringer MOR was 3,148 psi for alder and 4,282 psi for maple. Experimental data for red alder also was the basis for regression equations relating chang in MOE to change in MC and MOE of green wood; these equations allow the adjustment of MOE for changes in MC.

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