Some Strength Properties of Aspen Wood Affected By Varying Degrees of Heart Rot

Trembling asp.en (Populus tremuloides Michx.) is an abundant yet underutilized species in Alberta, Canada. Prevalent heart rot by Fomes igniarius contributes to the low usage. Twenty specimens each from clear, discolored, intermediate, and advanced decayed aspen heartwood were tested for their green static bending, green and ovendry compression parallel to grain, and side hardness strengths. The four groups were distinctly different. Discolored samples have strengths on average 14 to 17 percent lower than the clear samples. However, they still retain strengths exceeding the values for the species cited in certain literatures. Inclusion of some discolored wood in solid wood members, where strength and aesthetic requirements are not crucial, could be considered.

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