The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate differences in mechanical and fungicidal properties of three different wood species (English oak (Quercus sp.), common beach (Fagus sylvatica) and Norway spruce (Picea abies)). Specimens that were in indoor use for several decades were compared to control specimens of freshly cut timber. The collected material was cut to smaller specimen and conditioned in standard climate prior to further analysis. Mechanical, fungicidal, and sorption properties were determined according to standard procedures. Our results show that mechanical properties of oak wood do not deteriorate in the investigated time frame. On the other hand, resistance of the oak wood against fungi decreases over time. Similar results were observed for spruce wood as well. There were no statistically significant differences in mechanical properties of old and new spruce wood. Ageing of beech wood resulted in a big drop in all of the tested mechanical properties, but showed no significant differences in fungicidal properties. The old beech wood specimens were moderately deteriorated by insects and fungi, which was the reason for loss of bending and compressive strength.
Keywords: Mechanical properties, fungal decay, wood beams, English oak, common beech, Norway spruce
Authors
Thaler N.
University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Wood Science and Technology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Humar M.
University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Wood Science and Technology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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