Preliminary Evaluation of the Strength and Stiffness of Yellow-Poplar Pallet Shook

Strength, stiffness, and some physical properties of yellow-poplar pallet shook were evaluated from a random sample of cutto-size parts taken from mills in a major portion of the growing range. A grading scheme used in a prior study of pallet performance and, based on National Wooden Pallet and Container Association pallet specifications, was evaluated in terms of its ability to segregate material by strength and stiffness. A total of 448 green, nominal 2- by 4- by 48-inch stringers and 482 green, nominal 1- by 6- by 40-inch deckboards were destructively tested. The results indicated that the modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were somewhat higher than would be expected from adjustments to clear wood properties. The variation about the mean MOR was similar to that found with other full size materials while that of the MOE was significantly higher. The grading scheme was found to be ineffective in segregating deckboards by strength and stiffness and only moderately effective for the stringers.

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