Abstract:
Recent bending and compression tests on currently produced
SA pine and low-density Eucalyptus saligna have shown that
the fifth percentile modulus of elasticity, MOE, is lower than the
values published in SASS 0763 (7994). These tests have shown
that the fifth percentile values should be used when calculating
the stability of timber columns and beams. Current editions of
SASS 0763 (7994), however, use the mean modulus of elasticity
to calculate column strengths. The author presents data and
graphs to support his findings and proposes new sets of equations
for column strength that look similar to the steel design
code equations found in SABS 0 7 62- 7 ( 7 993). He also suggests
reduced fifth percentile modulus of elasticity values to be used
for the calculation of compression member strength. Graphs
are presented that show the good fit of the new proposed
equations with the current accepted equations.
