ABSTRACT
Lumber grading through mechanical and visual characteristics may improve the performance of a structural member, and allow more aplications of woods from different quality classes. The objective of this work was to verify the influence of the size of edge knots on the modulus of elasticity of pine lumber ( Pinus taeda and P. elliottii) and eucalypt (Eucalyptus citriodora), and describe some physical and mechanical properties of these woods. Three classes of knot size located at the edge of the pieces were established. It got evident that the lumber from the greatest class, had an smaller modulus of elasticity
Key words:
Lumber grading; specific gravity; mechanical properties