A Mechanical Evaluation Of Alaskan White Spruce

Abstract

This project serves to demonstrate the usefulness of Alaskan White Spruce as a construction material. This is done through the development of allowable strength values for design purposes. Such values allow engineers to design structures using Alaskan White Spruce, increasing the usefulness of the wood species.<p> The mechanical properties of Alaskan White Spruce are investigated. Summaries of the mechanical properties and of subsequently developed allowable structural design values are given. Included are discussions of the Alaskan White Spruce species, general wood behavior, mechanical testing of wood, statistical data analysis, and allowable property development. Results are compared against the work of other researchers. Appendices of test data are given.<p> Test results and subsequent data analysis indicate Alaskan White Spruce possesses strength similar to Douglas-Fir/Larch lumber and higher strength than Spruce/Pine/Fir type lumbers. This indicates that Alaskan White Spruce may have considerable worth as a construction material. <p>