A numerical study of the shape stability of sawn timber subjected to moisture variation

Summary Numerical simulations were performed to investigate how the annual ring orientation affects the shape stability of sawn timber. The influence of radial variations in the basic properties and the spiral grain is also studied. The knowledge obtained can contribute to more effective use of the raw material through allowing boards having properties that would yield bad shape stability to be sorted out. Possibilities for improving shape stability through gluing pieces of wood together are examined as well.