SIMULATION OF THE USE OF WOODEN FLOORS OF Eucalyptus sp AND Corymbia maculata

Abstract

The anatomic, physical, mechanical and chemical characterization of wood provides important information for the

indication of its best usage. However, to make these woods possible to become a good option in the wooden floors market, it is necessary to perform tests that simulate the real conditions of their practical use. These tests simulate the stomping of high-heeled shoes with small pressure areas, the dragging and falling of objects, the resistance to the surface abrasion and the friction offered during the walking of people. The difficulty of selection of new wood to manufacture floors is in the absence of specific physical-mechanical reference values. The present work intended to characterize the Eucalyptus clöeziana F. Muell, Eucalyptus microcorys F. Muell and Corymbia maculata Hook

woods, regarding the properties of basic density, shrinkage, application of rolling roll, of static and dynamic friction, denting caused by loads applied on small areas, impact of falling steel sphere and resistance to abrasion. It was noticed that the woods may be used to the manufacturing of floors, according to results obtained and through comparisons with literature results.