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Effect of load type on failure mechanisms of spruce in compression parallel to grain

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Abstract

Failure mechanisms of small clear specimens (6×6×24 mm) of air-dried black spruce (Picea mariana) under parallel-to-grain compression were investigated by polarised-light microscopy. Fatigue load was used with a peak stress level of 90% static strength, a load frequency of 0.5 Hz, and a square waveform with a duty ratio of 0.50. Matched ‘pure’ creep and static load tests were carried out. Damage was quantified in terms of the permanent microstructural changes (kinks) in tracheid walls. In static load tests, kinks develop quickly with any increase in stress beyond the limit of proportionality. In creep tests, damage develops mainly from kinks formed during the initial load application. In fatigue tests, damage develops both from kinks formed during the initial load cycle, and kinks formed during subsequent cycles. The number of kinks exhibits a strong relationship with relative cyclic creep or relative creep.

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Acknowledgements

This paper relates to work under the research grant “Control of failure mechanisms for structural timber members and connections” held by the second author and funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

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  1. Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, N.B., E3B 6C2, Canada

    M. Gong & I. Smith

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  1. M. Gong
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  2. I. Smith
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Correspondence to M. Gong.

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Gong, M., Smith, I. Effect of load type on failure mechanisms of spruce in compression parallel to grain. Wood Sci Technol 37, 435–445 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00226-003-0203-7

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