Mechanical strength and physical properties of the wood of Douglas fir grown in Victoria.  R. J. McKimm.  May 1986.  6pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

Wood samples from six dominant class trees of Douglas fir aged about 55 years, from plantations in each of four localities (Macedon, Otway Ranges, Bright and Beechworth) were tested for physical and mechanical strength properties in both the green and dried (12% moisture content) condition.

Static strength properties of green material were found to be influenced by location; material from north of the Divide (Bright and Beechworth) had significantly lower strength properties than that from south of the Divide. Properties from impact tests on green and dried material were not affected by location.

Strength properties of wood from approximately 55 year-old Douglas fir grown in Victoria and New Zealand were found to be similar. However, these strength properties were lower than those reported for naturally occurring Douglas fir from North America and 45 year-old plantation-grown Douglas fir from New South Wales. The strength grouping for green and dried (12% moisture content) Douglas fir grown in Victoria was determined to be S6 and SD6 respectively.