Proposal for Redesign of Characteristic Values and Strength Classes for Beech Structural Timber

This paper presents a methodology for evaluation of the characteristic values and the strength classes of beech structural timber by using European standards. The characteristic values of the bending strength, the modulus of elasticity, and the density of wood experimentally reassessed according to EN 338. The bending strength appears to be underestimated and the beech structural timber assigns to a lower strength class in consequence of the characteristic values of the modulus of elasticity and the density of wood. Based on the experimental results, the modified characteristic values proposed. They predict a more objective strength grading of beech structural timber.