Relationship between temperature and bending properties of Chinese larch wood

Wood is being used extensively in timber construction in China. It is important to understand its response when exposed to elevated temperatures. In fire-resistant design for timber construction, the main goal is to ensure that enough structural integrity is maintained during a fire to prevent structure collapse. To study the effect of temperature on bending strength (MOR) and stiffness (MOE) of Chinese larch wood, a total of 108 clear wood samples with various target temperatures were tested in static bending under same temperatures to ensure the wood temperature to be sustained. To study the interaction effect on Chinese larch wood, a total of 72 clear wood samples were observed under constant stress levels when the wood temperature was elevated. The results indicated that exposure to sustained temperatures caused significant degradation of bending strength and stiffness. The bending strength and MOE of larch wood behaved negative linear relationship with temperatures before 100 ºC. Chinese larch wood was more susceptible to the coupling effect of temperature and stress. The interaction promoted a temporary stable flexural structure to collapse during a shorter exposure time.