Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the allowable stresses of visually graded Chilean Douglas-Fir sawn wood on the 3 visual grades stated by NCh 1207. This is the first stage on a broad characterization of Chilean Douglas fir sawn Wood mechanical properties. The stresses evaluated were bending, tensile, parallel compression, shear and perpendicular compression. The methodology used in the mechanical tests and the determination of the allowable stresses was carried out according to NCh 3028/1 and 3028/2, respectively. The results indicate that the visual grading of the Chilean Douglas-Fir, by NCh 1207, allows to differentiate the allowable stresses associated with the visual structural grades GS, G1 and G2. Chilean Douglas Fir allowable stresses exceed Pinus Radiata ones, and there is a similarity between Chilean Douglas Fir visual grade GS compared to the Select Structural grade reference design values of same specie growing in North America.