Physical and Mechanical Properties of Solid Wood

This chapter presents data on the physical and mechanical properties of hundreds of wood species from Africa, China, Europe, Russia, South America, and the USA. Bamboo is also included for China. The extensive data compilation allows for the identification of even very specific wood species worldwide. Until now, such characteristic values have not been available in a summarised form. An introduction outlines the factors influencing wood properties, such as wood species, growing conditions (including climate region, soil, altitude, and social position in the forest), within-stand and interregional variations, as well as age and tree height. Additionally, some relationships between wood structure and selected properties are illustrated using Ashby diagrams. The chapter also focuses on the variability within wood species and the overlap of properties, which is crucial for the practical use of wood.