Determination of micro-mechanical properties of scots pine wood and relationship with the value of standard dimensions samples

The aim of this study was to determine the some mechanical properties of micro-size Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood and investigate the correlation between micro- and standard-size specimens. Sample trees were harvested from the Bolu Forest Enterprises in the northwestern part of Turkey. Eight trees having straight stems were selected as sample trees. Logs of 3 m in length were cut from each tree at a height of 0.30 m, and 6 cm-thick planks including the central pith were then cut from these logs. The micro- and standard-size test specimens were prepared from these planks. Bending strength, modulus of elasticity in bending, compression strength and tensile strength were determined using micro- and standard-size test specimens. In the standard- and micro-size Scots pine wood specimens, bending strengths were evaluated as 72.8 MPa and 62.4 MPa, modulus of elasticity in bending as 9917.3 MPa and 2883.9 MPa, tensile strengths as 76.9 MPa and 91.5 MPa and compression strengths as 43.8 MPa and 36.3 MPa, respectively. The results showed that the bending strength, modulus of elasticity and compression strength of the micro-size specimens were lower compared to the standard-size specimens, while the tensile strength was higher in the micro-size specimens. With the exception of the effect of specimen size and individual tree interaction on tensile strength, statistically significant effects were found for specimen size, individual trees and the interactions of the size and trees on the measured mechanical properties. Furthermore, regression analyses indicated a positive linear regression between the measured mechanical properties of micro- and standard-size specimens.