Semi-destructive method for in-situ evaluation of compressive strength of wood structural members

A method of testing the compressive strength of wood using small-diameter cores was developed. A special core drill was used to cut 5-mm-diameter cores from wood members. Cores were drilled perpendicular to the fibers and were tested in concave jaws that applied the compressive force parallel to the fibers. Correlation between the strength of cores and the strength of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specimens in compression and tension was established. While the correlation between compressive strengths of the cores and ASTM specimens was relatively good, the correlation between core strength and tensile strength was weak.