PROPIEDADES FÍSICO-MECÁNICAS DE LA MADERA DE CINCO ESPECIES DE ENCINO DEL ESTADO DE GUANAJUATO

Abstract

Efficient utilization of the Mexican oaks depends u pon. a better knowledge of specific properties and general characteristics of its wood. This study assesses and describes the physical and mechanical properties of five Mexican oak species from the State of Guanajuato: two white oaks (Quercus obtusata and Q. rugosa) and three red ;)aks (Q. castanea, Q. durifolia and Q. laurina). Most of the tests were performed according to standard ASTM D143-83 procedures. lmpact bending tests were conducted following the procedures in standard NFB51-009. Results indicate that the average basic density was higher in white oaks than in red oak species, while the average radial-tangential ratios were lower for white oaks than for red oak species. The average strength values determined in the saturated condition and at 12% of moisture content for static bending, compression parallel to grain, impact bending, compression perpendicular to grain, did not show a clear difference between white and red oaks. According to these values, the wood strength properties for the five species vary from medium to high category in the saturated condition, and from high to very high at 12% of moisture content. Several uses ranging from tool handles to reconstituted products from the five oak species are recommended.