The natural durability of industrial important European wood species in different use classes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Authors

  • Andreas O. Rapp
  • Ulrike Augusta

External Research Organisations

  • Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries
  • Universität Hamburg
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Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)131-140
Number of pages10
JournalDrvna industrija
Volume54
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 2003
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

The natural durability of important European wood species has been tested on 3970 specimens in field trials. The wood was exposed at five test fields in Germany with different climates at each site in European hazard class 4 and 3 (with and without soil contact). Within EHC 3 three different expositions were tested: end grain sheltered, unsheltered and with water trap. The test has now been running for 3 years. The results have shown that the type of exposition (EHC 3 or EHC 4) has a strong influence on both: the decay activity and the durability determined as the quotient of decay of tested species and Scots pine sapwood. The test site had a strong effect on decay activity and time to failure, whereas the effect on durability was lower. Up to now it has not yet been possible to calculate the final durability classification, but so far the field tests in soil have confirmed the natural durability given in EN 350 (with the exceptions of Quercus robur and Robinia pseudoacacia, both being less durable than said in the standard). Whereas so far the above ground tests have revealed a higher durability than classified in the standard EN 350 for all soft-wood species with coloured heartwood (heartwood of larix, pseudotsuga and pinus). It is obvious that the current classification of natural durability is only valid for use in soil contact. Future amendments of the standard EN 350 seem to be reasonable. It is proposed that durability class shall be listed separately for in ground and for above ground use in the future.

Keywords

    European wood species, Field tests, Hazard classes, Natural durability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)
  • Forestry

Cite this

The natural durability of industrial important European wood species in different use classes. / Rapp, Andreas O.; Augusta, Ulrike.
In: Drvna industrija, Vol. 54, No. 3, 2003, p. 131-140.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Rapp, Andreas O. ; Augusta, Ulrike. / The natural durability of industrial important European wood species in different use classes. In: Drvna industrija. 2003 ; Vol. 54, No. 3. pp. 131-140.
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