Yellow Birch   Betula alleghaniensis	Back

Strength and Mechanical Properties (inch-pound)^a
 

Moisture Content Green - 12%   Specific Gravityb 0.48 - 0.65   Static Bending     Modulus of Rupture (lbf/in2)     6,400 - 16,900       Modulus of Elasticityc (106 lbf/in2)     1.17 - 2.17       Work to Maximum Load (in-lbf/in3)     15.7 - 20.8

Impact Bending (in.) 34 - 55   Compression Parallel to Grain (lbf/in2) 2,360 - 8,540   Compression Perpendicular to Grain (lbf/in2) 270 - 1,080   Shear Parallel to Grain (lbf/in2) 840 - 2,240   Tension Perpendicular to Grain (lbf/in2) -- - 950   Side Hardness (lbf) 560 - 1,470

1. Results of tests on small clear specimens in the green and air-dried conditions. Definition of properties: impact bending is height of drop that causes complete failure, using 0.71-kg (50-lb) hammer; compression parallel to grain is also called maximum crushing strength; compression perpendicular to grain is fiber stress at proportional limit; shear is maximum shearing strength; tension is maximum tensile strength; and side hardness is hardness measured when load is perpendicular to grain.
2. Specific gravity is based on weight when ovendry and volume when green or at 12% moisture content.
3. Modulus of elasticity measured from a simply supported, center-loaded beam, on a span depth ratio of 14/1. To correct for shear deflection, the modulus can be increased by 10%.

Source: Wood Handbook, Wood as an Engineering Material, USDA Forest Service