A Comparative Study of the Bending Properties of Dahurian Larch and Japanese Larch Grown in Korea

Abstract

The bending properties of Dahurian and Japanese larch grown in Korea were comparatively studied to facilitate the effective utilization of both species. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) of the heartwood and sapwood of both species were observed in the tangential and radial directions using Korean standards. Overall, Dahurain larch showed better bending properties than Japanese larch. In the tangential direction, Dahurian larch had better properties than Japanese larch, but there was no difference in the radial direction between the species. In both species, the bending properties of the heartwood were better than those of the sapwood. In Dahurian larch, the bending properties in the tangential direction were greater than those in the radial direction, but there was no difference in either direction with Japanese larch. The bending properties of both species in both directions were positively correlated with latewood percentage and air-dry density. Bending properties in the radial direction had a negative correlation with the growth ring width, but there was no correlation between the growth ring width and bending properties in the tangential direction for both species. Finally, the MOE of both species was significantly correlated with the MOR.