Increased Utilization of Tropical Hardwoods Through Species- Independent Structural Grading

Models of stress grading processes were applied to three Brazilian hardwoods, banak (Virola spp.), tachi (Tachigalia paniculatum), and pequia (Caryocar villosum) in order to identify whether the product would be usable as structural material for the construction industry in Brazil. Small, clear specimens were tested to determine species property values for MOR, MOE, and SG. Pieces of 2 by 4 and 2 by 6 in 10-foot lengths were tested in bending to ascertain if machine-stress-rating (MSR) techniques could be used to relate MOR to MOE and density in a species-independent lumber grading system. The data indicate that MSR techniques are applicable to grouped species of tropical hardwoods within an SG range of 0.40 to 0.80 and that grading accuracy is comparable to that of machine-graded commercial softwoods, Increased equipment and grading costs can be offset by savings in logging costs due to greatly increased species utilization.

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