Compressive and Bending Strength Variations in the Properties of Portuguese Clear Oak Wood

Within-stem variation in the mechanical properties of Portuguese oak wood was analysed, considering different locations (three sites in the centre and north of Portugal-Site 1, Site 2, Site 3) and positions within the tree (two distances to pith-P1, P2). The study comprised compression parallel to the grain, bending strength and modulus of elasticity. Ultimately, this study aims at assuring the building of a body of knowledge on the technological quality and processing options for this species. The results showed for one provenance, Site 1, a significant effect of the distance to pith in the mechanical properties, which can be related to a different soil composition. For this provenance, a decrease in the compression and bending strength was verified from pith to bark. For the other provenances (Site 2 and Site 3), no effect was noticed. The overall behaviour showed noticeable correlations between the mechanical properties and density.