A mechanical evaluation of alaska yellow-cedar

The results of a limited program of small, clear testing on an available sample of Alaska-grown yellow-cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) are reported. Performed at the Ketchikan Wood Technology Center in conjunction with a full in-grade testing program and strength analysis of yellow-cedar grown in Alaska, the study reported herein determines small, clear strength properties for the Alaska sample and compares them to the current small, clear strength properties in use for U.S. yellow-cedar, as well as to published results from other geographic regions. In general, the test results indicate that the strength properties of Alaska-grown yellow-cedar differ to a significant degree from the strength properties currently in use for yellow-cedar reported elsewhere. This result provides support for the treatment of Alaska-grown yellow-cedar as a species with unique strength properties for design purposes.