Wood is a material that for years has been used by man for a variety of purposes, particularly in rural and civil constructions and furniture industry. The possibility of shortages of some wood species, the characterization of other unfamiliar species is an alternative source for use in civil and rural construction. This study aimed to determine, with the aid of Brazilian standard NBR 7190, physical and mechanical properties of Castelo (Calycophyllum multiflorum) wood specie. Twelve determinations were obtained by property, totaling 204 experimental values. In the characterization of wood, regression models were used to estimate the values of timber strength and stiffness as a function of apparent density, being density the physical property more simple to be obtained. The results of mechanical properties showed consistent with the performance of other species used in construction, which highlights the potential use of the Castelo wood in structural design. Regression models, apparent density was considered significant in the estimation of only 4 among the 14 properties for wood strength and stiffness.

With the possibility of developing simple connections, of easy execution, strong and durable, the bonded-in steel bars with structural resins have started being applied to different situations, such as shear connectors in mixed wood-concrete structures. These connectors, when steel bars are inclined in relation to the grain, may work under axial forces transmitting more stiffness and strength to the connection. In this research, the pull out strength of bonded-in steel bars was evaluated, bent 45° in relation to wood grain, using epoxy resin Sikadur-32 Fluid. In random sample of round pieces of Eucalyptus citriodora (Corymbia citriodora), CCA treated, with six replications in each observation, and considering the variability of the parameters: natural wood mechanical properties; apparent density; bar diameters; adherence surface and the moisture content. Steel bars used were highly resistant ones (CA-50), with threaded surface solicited by axial force, under monotonic loadings, with two consecutive load cycles. From the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the increase in the moisture content promoted reductions in the values of the compressive strength. The estimate of the pullout strength by the multivariable regression model, the moisture content was considered not significant, increases in the area of anchoring strengths implied significant increases in anchorage strength values, and the interaction between the factors (anchoring area and moisture content) promoted reductions in the anchor strength values of the steel bars.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of moisture content variation on 12 mechanical properties of the Cedrelinga catenaeformis species. Of the 12 properties, four were significantly affected (based on analysis of variance at 5% significance level), and the compression and shear strengths in the direction parallel to the fibers exhibited the greatest difference in values from the saturated moisture condition of up to 12% (approximately 34% increase). Toughness exhibited a behavior different from that predicted by the normative equation, in which increase in moisture content implied increase (approximately 59%) of the property studied. Because a good part of the properties was not significantly affected and Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 7190 (1997) considers expressions that lead to a considerable increase in mechanical properties with the reduction of moisture content, this approach was unfavorable to the safety of the project, motivating the development of other studies to collaborate in revisions of this normative document.

Wood is a material that for years has been used by man for a variety of purposes, particularly in rural and civil constructions. For the possibility of shortages of some wood species, the characterization of other little known species as alternatives is necessary. This research aimed to determine, with the aid of the Brazilian standard NBR 7190, physical and mechanical properties of Cambará rosa or Cedrinho wood (Erisma uncinatum Warm), and with the support of regression models (linear, exponential, geometric, logarithmic) based on analysis of variance (ANOVA), to estimate the values of strength and stiffness as a function of apparent density, for the density being a property of easy determination. Were obtained 12 determinations by physical and mechanical propertie, resulting in 204 experimental results. The mechanical properties of Erisma uncinatum Warm presented performance compatible with other species used in civil construction, but not being considered a high strength wood. By means of regression models to estimate the strength and stiffness values, it was found that no property can be estimated by the apparent density.

The wood is a material widely used for several purposes, especially in the construction industry. There are many factors that this is due, between them the versatility and abundant availability of the material. However, the intensive use of some species might cause shortages. The lack of information about the wood behavior when it is exposed to various conditions, as well as projects not supported by regulatory rules, may imply in its inappropriate use, compromising in the safety of the structure. In this context, it was proposed the elaboration of roofing structures projects with the following characteristics: lattice type buildings "Howe" (10° slope -cement tile); span of 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 meters (geometrical proportion, in design, surrounding a 1: 3); typology of the lateral side of the building openings -relations 1:1, 2:1, 6:1 and open (coverage of small dimensions' support) preservative treatment. Then, was determined the ratio of the wood amount (m³) and the built area (in design) to woods of C20 and C30 classes, following the requirements of NBR 7190: 1997. Front of the analysis of results was evidenced that it is possible to use unconventional woods applied in triangle framework structure in big spans, obeying a well elaborated conception of project.

In Brazil, wood is a material which has been used for years in different purposes. The variety of Brazilian tropical wood species is expressive, nonetheless only a few of them are considered in structural design. Taking in account possibility of eventual shortages of these well-known wood species, characterization of alternative essences is presented as fundamental for maintenance of wood supply for civil construction. In Brazil, the structural dimensioning and timber characterization are specified by ABNT NBR 7190:1997 (Timber structures design), in its Annex B. This work aimed, with the aid of Brazilian Code, determining physical (4) and mechanical (13) properties of Angelim Saia (Vatairea sp.). Besides, with regression model (linear, exponential, geometric and logarithmic) based in analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was aimed to estimate resistance values and stiffness in function of the density, once this is an easy-obtainable property for wood. From a set of twelve aleatory pieces, twelve specimens were produced for each test type, totalizing 204 experimental measurements. Results of mechanical properties showed compatible performance with other species already established for use in structure, which shows the potential of Angelim Saia for structural purposes. From regression models for estimate strength and stiffness values, it was possible conclude that not all properties can be estimate by density. Better results were showed by the geometric model in estimation of hardness parallel to grain, who provided determination coefficient (R²) close to 70%.

The development of standard methods and criteria for the stress grading of structural timber elements by non-destructive, fast and cheap bending tests, will allow producers, distributors and customers of such elements, have a better control of the marketed product. This paper analyzes the most suitable length of free span for stress grading of structural timbers, number of points to be assayed in each element, data precision and evaluation of cost of these tests for small business.

As wood is an orthotropic and natural material, there are several properties required for its use in civil construction. The apparent density has been used to estimate physical and mechanical properties of wood, as it is easy to determine experimentally, unlike other determinations, which involve the use of equipment available only in large research centers. Using the Brazilian standard ABNT NBR 7190 and linear and non-linear regression models, this research aimed to evaluate their accuracy in estimating the compressive strength parallel to the fibers (fc0) as well as their characteristic value (fc0,k). This study considered 72 tropical wood species from native forests that were divided into the 4 strength classes of this standard. For the set formed by all species, the linear polynomial model was the best fit, resulting in a determination coefficient of just over 70%.