Tensile characterization of the MC and Luisa Avanzo cultivars of the species Populus × euramericana

Abstract The interest in fast-growing hardwood species for structural applications has increased across Europe due to the need for sustainable and locally sourced solutions. In this context, black poplar ( Populus × euramericana (Dode) Guinier) shows significant potential owing to its low density and rapid growth. This study presents the tensile mechanical characterization of the MC and Luisa Avanzo cultivars, which are widely cultivated in Spain, with the aim of assessing their structural suitability and supporting their normative inclusion. A total of 804 specimens from six plantations located in the Duero, Ebro, and Guadalquivir river basins were analyzed to determine their modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and density, in accordance with current standards EN 408 and EN 384. The results enabled the assignment of strength class T10 to timber visually graded as MEF, meeting the regulatory requirements. The volumetric shrinkage coefficient was also determined and has been included in standard UNE 56546 as a parameter for dimensional stability. This characterization represents the first national implementation of the normative approach based on tensile testing parallel to the grain for hardwood species, using the French standard NF B 52001-1 as a reference.