Predicting the static modulus of elasticity in eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) using stress wave non-destructive testing in standing trees

In this paper, a correlation between the dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEd) in healthy standing trees of eastern cottonwood and the static modulus of elasticity (MOEs) in sawn wood is proposed. Stress-wave non-destructive testing (stress-wave NDT) was performed using two transverse and two longitudinal directions in 14 trees at breast height and in logs at three heights to measure the wave speed and MOEd. Finally, MOEs was calculated by using 3-point bending tests in the sawn wood. The results showed that the MOEd of trees and logs was greater in the longitudinal than in the transverse direction. A significantly high correlation coefficient exists between MOEs and MOEd (r = 0.7).