A methodology to select a group of species among 131 tropical (colombian) species for bowed timber applications

Abstract

We present a methodology of selecting wood species for architectural purposes, especially when a curved shape is required. First, a mechanical criterion is associated with a morphology, more specifically a characteristic value of stress-strain relation is associated with the attitude of wood for bowing. Second, a filtering is done using data of wood in the green state and in the dry state, and then the wood selection is refined by using relevant criteria related to environment and economic considerations. The following four species are the result of the selection: Sande or Guaimaro (Brosimum utile), Ceiba (Ceiba pentandra), Tamarindo (Dialum guianense), and Roble flor morado (Tabebuia rosea). Information given in the literature is complemented with results of bending experiments when information is lacking. The result emphasizes that tropical species are fitter than temperate species for bowed wood applications.