Potential Utilization of Sweetgum and Yellow-Poplar for Structural Lumber

Timothy D. Faust; Robert H. McAlister; Stanley J. Zarnoch; Christopher B. Stephens

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Potential Utilization of Sweetgum and Yellow-Poplar for Structural Lumber

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Timothy D. Faust, Robert H. McAlister, Stanley J. Zarnoch, Christopher B. Stephens

Year:

1991

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

Proceedings, Hardwood Research Council. pp. 75-98.

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Abstract

The forest resource base in the Southeast is rapidly changing. Dwindling reserves of high quality pine sawlogs will provide incentive to utilize low-density hardwoods such as yellow-poplar and sweetgum for structural lumber. Inventories of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua, L.) and yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera, L.) are currently high and growth is exceeding removals. The mechanical properties of dimension lumber produced from sweetgum are relatively unknown. The objective of this study was to establish strength and stiffness data on sweetgum dimension lumber in bending, tension and compression modes. The relationship between these strength modes was also investigated. Results indicate that sweetgum equals or exceeds yellow-poplar in strength and stiffness overall and on a grade-by-grade basis. Correlations between bending, tension and compression strength and stiffness were lower than correlations established for pine.

Citation

Faust, Timothy D.; McAlister, Robert H.; Zarnoch, Stanley J.; Stephens, Christopher B. 1991. Potential Utilization of Sweetgum and Yellow-Poplar for Structural Lumber. Proceedings, Hardwood Research Council. pp. 75-98.