Mechanical properties of salvaged dead yellow-cedar in southeast Alaska : Phase I

K. A. McDonald; P. E. Hennon; J. H. Stevens; D. W. Green

Treesearch

Mechanical properties of salvaged dead yellow-cedar in southeast Alaska : Phase I

Informally Refereed

Authors:

K. A. McDonald, P. E. Hennon, J. H. Stevens, D. W. Green

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Forest Products Laboratory

Source:

(Research paper FPL ; RP-565):9 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.

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Download (PDF 454 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/5820.pdf

Abstract

An intensive decline and mortality problem is affecting yellow-cedar trees in southeast Alaska. Yellow-cedar snags (dead trees) could be important to the economy in southeast Alaska, if some high-value uses for the snags could be established. Due to the high decay resistance of yellow-cedar, the rate of deterioration is so slow that snags may remain standing for a century or more after death. Obtaining information on wood properties from these snags is necessary to correctly assess the utilization potential of the yellow-cedar. Initial property analyses, Phase I, showed no evidence that even the oldest snags have lost strength. Black stain in the heartwood of live yellow-cedar may have an effect on strength, which will be analyzed through additional study.

Keywords

Chamaecyparis nootkatensis, Dead wood, Mechanical properties, Bending strength, Modulus of elasticity, Specific gravity, Modulus of rupture, Stiffness, Salvage timber

Citation

McDonald, K. A.; Hennon, P. E.; Stevens, J. H.; Green, D. W. Mechanical properties of salvaged dead yellow-cedar in southeast Alaska : Phase I. (Research paper FPL ; RP-565):9 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.