Effect of drilled holes on the bending strength of large dimension Douglas-fir lumber

R.H. Falk; D. DeVisser; G.R. Plume; K.J. Fridley

Treesearch

Effect of drilled holes on the bending strength of large dimension Douglas-fir lumber

Informally Refereed

Authors:

R.H. Falk, D. DeVisser, G.R. Plume, K.J. Fridley

Year:

2003

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Forest Products Laboratory

Source:

Forest products journal. Vol. 53, no. 5 (May 2003)

Download (PDF 204 KB)

Download (PDF 204 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/8562.pdf

Abstract

In this study, experimental bending tests were performed on nominal 4-by 8-inch (actual 89-mm by 191-mm)lumber members to determine how a notch and holes drilled in the wide face affect edge wise bending strength. Holes were drilled at the midspan in three locations relative to the edge. The results appear to justify an allowable hole one-half the allowable knot size that is currently permitted for cedar in No. 1 Beams & Stringer grade. Furthermore, the data indicate that hole location may be as important as hole size. A1-inch (25.4-mm)hole had about the same effect on strength as a 1-3/4-inch (44-mm) hole when the holes were 1 inch (25.4 mm)from the tension edge.

Keywords

Drilled holes, bending strength, Douglas-fir, lumber, strength

Citation

Falk, R.H.; DeVisser, D.; Plume, G.R.; Fridley, K.J. 2003. Effect of drilled holes on the bending strength of large dimension Douglas-fir lumber. Forest products journal. Vol. 53, no. 5 (May 2003)