New Insights into the Elastic Properties of Wood

Wood has been used for centuries to make various structures. However, its properties are typically considered on a large scale and assumed to be consistent. This oversimplification can lead to unexpected variations in product performance and less than optimal utilisation of the timber resource. Examination of the intricate structure of pine trees’ growth rings formed during the annual growing season provides a chance to determine if wood’s properties are as consistent as commonly assumed and, if not, why not. Professor Emeritus Steven Cramer of the University of Wisconsin-Madison has investigated the differences in properties between wood types that comprise the growth rings of loblolly pine trees.