Do you have any info on the mechanical properties of white oak? The oak is an existing TF and 170 years old.

There is a book out there that I just located and intend to buy. Note; I have not read it yet, but believe it does have what you are looking.

"Understanding Wood": A Craftman's Guide to Wood Technology
by R. Bruce Hoadley

amazon.com has it at a good price.

Shaun

There is a pdf book called "Wood Handbook" published by US Department of Agriculture, Forest services, which is downloadable free of charge and covers this topic.

If you just need to use some numbers I suggest:
Modulus of elasticity: 1,000,000 psi
Bending: 1200 psi
Shear parallel to grain: 105 psi
Compression parallel to grain: 775 psi
(Timber frame joinery & design workbook)

Values listed above are valid only for solid, undamaged wood. If you notice any decay (pick test) you should replace timbers or evaluate samples in the lab.

best
Michal Zajic
TFDesign.cz

A good resource for lotsa wood species info is the CD "The Wood Explorer"
Don/t recall where I got it on the internet but imagine a search will solve that one.