Bending Test for Small-Diameter Timbers

Abstract

In the last two decades, the utilisation of small diameter timbers in constructions has gained increasing attention from both researchers and sustainable building enthusiasts. Timbers, when used as structural elements in their natural circular form, showed not only a notably higher strength per unit weight than other timber materials but also lower environmental impacts than any other structural materials. In recent years, innovations in forest management policies and connection design have significantly reduced the barriers to adoption of structural small diameter timbers. The purpose of this Bachelor´s Thesis was to examine the development of standardised strength testing methods for small-diameter timber to stimulate the structural use of natural round timber. The existing data was collected from the bending test for round timbers from the Delft University of Technology laboratory. The extant information from the previous test was then analysed and recommendations for future development in bending test arrangement were provided.