Beech for structural purposes - a case study in south-west Germany

Small-diameter beech roundwood from 8 different stands in Baden-Wiirttemberg (south-west Germany) (40 trees, 108 logs) varying in altitude and tree age was characterised by log quality and converted to boards for structural use. Results reveal a general trend of higher wood stiffness for material from lower altitude up to 23 kN/mm(2) for individual boards due to tree growth. However yield in sawn boards meeting structural requirements according to applicable regulations was generally low with about 30%. Boards were mainly rejected due to the presence of pith. The results are in line which other investigations on use of small diameter hardwood for structural purposes.