Abstract

Acacia dealbata Link is a specie native to Australia; it can grow under eroded soil conditions and in places where there is water shortage. This specie was introduced into Chile in the mid-19th century with ornamental purposes and its currently distribution goes between O'Higgins and Los Lagos regions. In this study, Acacia dealbata Link lumber, visually classified under the NCh 1970/1 standard, was mechanically characterized. The allowable stresses obtained for structural grades No.1 and No.2, corresponding to bending, tension parallel-to-grain, compression parallel-to-grain and shear strength, are higher than the best visual grade (GS) of Radiata pine lumber. This last specie shows largest role in the Chilean market.