Strength grouping of three New South Wales eucalypt species—a reassessment

Abstract

This study evaluates the strength grouping of regrowth timber of two commercially important New South Wales species (blackbutt (Eucalyptus pi/u/aris) and spotted gum (E. maculata)) using timber sampled at sawmills. Brown barrel (E. fastigata) from previously unlogged forest was included in the study to gauge the effect of recent changes in test methods. Strength groups derived were compared to the strength groups given in Australian Standard AS 2858-1986 (Standards Association of Australia, 1986) and found to be equal to the currently assigned values for unseasoned material, and higher than the values assigned to seasoned material.