Edinburgh Napier University

  The paper examines the variation in modulus of elasticity (MoE) and shear modulus (G) within sawn timber and the implications for testing timber in accordance with EN408:2003. A combination of mechanical testing and simple analytical modelling is used to examine the differences between global and local MoE, and the extent to which these differences can be explained by the inhomogeneity of stiffness within a batten. In the light of these findings, the methods prescribed for determining G from flexural tests are called into question.