RESEARCH ON DRYING-RELATED PROPERTIES OF BEECH WHITE WOOD AND RED HEART

Mihaela CAMPEAN
Prof.dr.eng. - TRANSILVANIA University of Brasov, Faculty of Wood Industry
Address: B-dul Eroilor 29, 500036 Brasov, Romania
E-mail: campean@unitbv.ro

Ion MARINESCU
Dr.eng. - TRANSILVANIA University of Brasov, Faculty of Wood Industry
Address: B-dul Eroilor 29, 500036 Brasov, Romania

Gavril BUDAU
Prof.dr.eng. - TRANSILVANIA University of Brasov, Faculty of Wood Industry
Address: B-dul Eroilor 29, 500036 Brasov, Romania
E-mail: g.budau@unitbv.ro

Abstract: The paper presents the results of an experimental study performed with European beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) containing red heart. From the same log, test pieces were cut both from the white wood area, and from the red heart area. Some of them were used to cut samples for the determination of the main physical properties (moisture content, density, shrinkage) of the two wood types, other specimens were dried under different conditions, in order to assess the drying behaviour of white beech wood and red heart, compared both from the quantitative viewpoint (drying rate) and from the qualitative viewpoint (percentage and severity of cracks, deformations, discoloration). Thus it was possible to link the premises (raw material properties) with the results (drying behaviour) and formulate some recommendations for optimising the drying of beech wood with red heart in practice.

Key words: beech, white wood, red heart, density, shinkage, drying defects.

REFERENCES
BAJRAKTARI, A. (2007). Drying of Beech Wood in Different Conditions and Clime. Proc. 10-th IUFRO Wood Drying Conference, University of Maine, USA.
LOHMANN, U. (1998). Holz Handbuch. 5th edition. DRW Verlag, Rosenheim.
MARINESCU, I. (2002). Study Concerning the Technology, Parameters and Characteristics of Beech Wood Dried at High Temperatures. PhD Thesis, "Transilvania" University of Brasov.
MARINESCU, I., CAMPEAN, M. (2004). The Drying of Beech Wood. Publishing House of "Transilvania" University, Brasov.
NEMETH, R., MOLNAR, S., TOLVAJ, L.. Physical and Mechanical Properties of Steamed Beech Wood (With and Without Red Heart). University of West Hungary, Sopron.
*** 2008: ASFOR. Wood Resources and Market Potential in Romania.
*** SR EN 13183-1:2003. Wood - Moisture Content of Timber. Part1: Determination by Oven-Dry Method.
*** SR ISO 3129-93: Wood - Sampling Methods and General Requirements for Physical and Mechanical Tests.
*** STAS 84-87: Wood - Determination of Density.
*** STAS 85/2-91: Wood - Determination of Shrinkage Coefficients.