Evaluation of compressive strength of decayed wood in Magnolia obovata

Abstract

To obtain the basic information needed to estimate the degree of decay from compressive strength measured using a Fractometer (CS), relationships between CS and the contents of chemical components were analyzed for Magnolia wood decayed by three types fungi (brown rot, white rot, and soft rot fungi) at various decay levels. Weight loss ratio was significantly, negatively correlated with CS in woods decayed by brown rot and white rot fungi. In addition, a relatively high correlation coefficient was recognized between CS and holocellulose or a-cellulose content, except for wood decayed by soft rot fungus. The results obtained showed that Fractometer can detect the decrease of CS at relatively early stage of decay. © 2010 International Society of Arboriculture.