| Authors: |
Robert H. McAlister, Alexander III.Clark, Joseph R. Saucier |
| Year: |
1997 |
| Type: |
Scientific Journal |
| Station: |
Southern Research Station |
| Source: |
Forest Products Journal. 47(7/8): 107-109. |
Abstract
The effect of initial planting density on strength and stiffness of slash pine (Pinus elliotti Engelm. var elliotti) from a 40-year-old plantation on the Georgia Coastal Plain was examined. A stratified random sample of trees with diameters at breast height ranging from 8 to 16 inches from replicated stands representing tree spacing of 6 by 8, 8 by 8, 10 by 10, and 15 by 15 feet was processed into lumber. Visually graded No. 1 and No. 2, 2 by 4 and 2 by 6 lumber from the study was tested for stiffness (modulus of elasticity) and strength (modulus of rupture) according to the provision of American Society for Testing and Materials Standard Method D 198. Only the modulus of rupture of the No. 2 grade 2 by 4's showed a significant (p = 0.05) decrease with increased tree spacing. All spacings tested produced dimension lumber with excellent mechanical properties.
Citation
McAlister, Robert H.; Clark, Alexander, III; Saucier, Joseph R. 1997. Effect of initial spacing on mechanical properties of lumber sawn from unthinned slash pine at age 40. Forest Products Journal. 47(7/8): 107-109.
