Evaluation of Live Oak Submerged Underwater for 50 Years and Proposed for Use in Rebuilding the U.S.S. Constitution

Live oak timber stored under fresh water in New Hampshire for 50 years was evaluated for possible use as structural framing in repairs on the U.S.S. Constitution. The material was found to be unsuitable for structural uses onboard ship. Apparently anaerobic bacteria reduced specific gravity by 4 percent, maximum crushing strength by 17 percent, and modulus of rupture by 34 percent. Modulus of elasticity was unaffected. Still, this material may be suitable for some uses in which structural properties are not of prime importance.

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