Authors: D. R. S. M. Ferreira, E. M. M. Fonseca, C. D. P. Pinto, P. C. B. Borges

Timber structures are a competitive solution when compared to steel and concrete structures, showing features and advantages that overcome their competitors: weight/strength ratio, rapid assembly, fire resistance and excellent performance in earthquake scenario, natural aesthetic attractiveness, and ecological rationality which leads to sustainable construction. The main purpose of this experimental study is to understand the relationship between timber and water in four different wood species: Pine, Ash, Chestnut and Oak. Experimental tests were carried out in order to assess shrinkage and swelling behaviours. The analysed specimens have a prismatic shape with dimensions equal to 40 X 40 X 10 mm, and were obtained from healthy wood, free of knots, cracks or other defects. The timber mechanical behaviour timber was also evaluated by tensile tests to obtain the mechanical characteristics and comparison with other woods.

D. R. S. M. Ferreira¹ | E. M. M. Fonseca¹ | C. D. P. Pinto1, P. C. B. Borges¹
1 Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Gestão, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança