Mechanical Performance of Wood Under Artificial and Natural Weathering Treatments

Natural and artificial weathering treatments were studied to determine the change of wood properties as a function of exposure time. This paper aimed to provide general information about the mechanical performance of wood under natural and artificial weathering treatments and define a relationship between them. The eight strength classes of ABNT NBR 7190 (1997) were considered, in addition to a paired sampling approach. The modulus of elasticity and conventional strength value in static bending, strength in compression parallel to the grain, hardness perpendicular to the grain, and the elastic limit in the static bending test were investigated. Linear regression models for mechanical performances under artificial and natural aging treatments of the exposure time were made and tested using an analysis of variance. According to the results, 360 days of natural weathering provoked a change in mechanical performance of 15.72% that included a decrease in strength and modulus of elasticity and an increase in elastic limit. Twelve hours of the artificial weathering treatment provided the effect of 6.22 days of natural weathering exposure.