In this paper, static bending (modulus of rupture, MOR, and modulus of elasticity, MOE) and compression strength parallel to grain (σcǀǀ) of black alder wood (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.) were investigated. For experimental testing, we used black alder wood from two different areas: Crni Jarci, Croatia, and Malá Bystřice, Czech Republic. | Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry Research Article Turk J Agric For (2016) 40: 7-12 © TÜBİTAK doi: The effect of growth conditions in specific areas of Croatia and the Czech Republic on the physical and mechanical properties of black alder wood (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.) Jaromír MILCH*, Hanuš VAVRČĺK, Jan TIPPNER, Martin BRABEC Department of Wood Science, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic Received: Accepted/Published Online: Final Version: Abstract: In this paper, static bending (modulus of rupture, MOR, and modulus of elasticity, MOE) and compression strength parallel to grain (σcǀǀ) of black alder wood (Alnus glutinosa Gaertn.) were investigated. For experimental testing, we used black alder wood from two different areas: Crni Jarci, Croatia, and Malá Bystřice, Czech Republic. Experimental tests were carried out according to the Czech national standards: ČSN 49 0115 and ČSN 49 0116 for static bending and ČSN 49 0110 for compression strength. The samples from Malá Bystřice showed lower values of MOR (~14%), MOE (~30%), and σcǀǀ (~4%), when compared to the samples from Crni Jarci. The relationship between density and strength was investigated. The difference between the studied groups at the significance level was confirmed. The average linear correlation was found between density and the observed mechanical properties (for σcǀǀ). The average density was 549 kg m–3 for samples from Crni Jarci and 469 kg m–3 for samples from Malá Bystřice. The results were compared with values indicated in similar studies. Key words: Black alder wood, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, static bending, wood density 1. Introduction Wood has relatively low weight and good strength, which is a prerequisite for every good construction material (Desch and Dinwoodie, 1996). Wood properties .
