Bending strength of Chilean radiata pine poles

Abstract

Because radiata pine has thrived in south-central Chile since it was introduced there more than a century ago, pine plantation productivity there has grown tremendously. Plantation owners are seeking new markets for this material. One potential market is utility poles. The American National Standards Institute 05.1 standard (ANSI 05.1) provides a means for radiata pine to be recognized as a viable pole species. Before radiata pine can be accepted into ANSI 05.1, test data must be provided to support the ANSI-designated fiber stress. This studypresents an evaluation of radiatapine poles grown in southern Chile following the guidelines established by the ANSI O5.1 standard for approval offoreign species. The test sample includes 45 poles that were 12 m (40 ft.) long. Tests were conducted following procedures given in the ASTM D 1036 standard for evaluating bending strength ofpoles. Specific gravity values were above the average published for radiata pine despite a relatively fast growth rate. The mean strength determined as the maximum groundline stress was 52 MPa(7,554 psi), qualifying radiata pine forconsideration as a utility pole that has strength equal to that of red pine, jack pine, and lodgepole pine.

Citation

Cerda, Gina; Wolfe, Ronald W. 2003. Bending strength of Chilean radiata pine poles. Forest products journal. Vol. 53, no. 4 (2003): Pages 61-65