The Mechanical Properties of Wood / Including a Discussion of the Factors Affecting the Mechanical Properties, and Methods of Timber Testing

The text presents a practical, non-mathematical treatment of wood mechanics, explaining tensile, compressive, shearing, bending, torsion, hardness, and cleavage properties and supplying comparative strength data. It examines how factors such as rate of growth, heartwood versus sapwood, density, moisture content, season and locality of cutting, grain deviations, knots, splits, biological injuries, temperature, and preservatives affect mechanical behavior. Detailed methods for timber testing are described, covering specimen preparation, machines, testing speeds, and procedures for bending, compression, shear, tension, torsion, impact, and hardness measurements. An appendix supplies a sample working plan, structural strength tables, and a bibliography for further technical reference.