CIRAD's Tropix sheets

For many years, CIRAD has been maintaining and developing a database on the technical characteristics of tropical and temperate woods. This database is an essential asset for improving and developing the use of tropical woods.

The site currently lists 245 species.

Scientific names and common names of the species, their origins (illustrated by maps of geographic distribution) and any trade restrictions (listed under a CITES Appendix).
Characteristics of logs; appearance, color and macroscopic structure of wood, illustrated with photographs of wood and examples of use.
Main physical and mechanical properties (average values and standard deviation).
Resistance of wood to biological agents of deterioration (fungi, termites, dry wood borers); impregnability; use classifications; any conditions for preservative treatment according to the conditions of use.
Drying behaviour (drying table provided as a rough guide).
Behaviour of wood during sawing and machining, aptitude for peeling or slicing, held assemblies.
Commercial grades: appearance grading of sawn timbers (according to the existing rules) and visual grading for structural applications.
Main actual or potential uses; reaction to fire (according to French standards and European standardization).
Summary comparison tables of the main technological characteristics (physico-mechanical properties, parameters of physical and biological stability).

All these data are based on in-depth documentary research, bibliographic analyses and technological trials carried out in CIRAD laboratories. By centralizing and updating precise information on tropical species, Tropix data sheets respond to the challenges of using the right wood for the right purpose, and to the evolution of wood characterization methods. These data sheets give industry operators access to reliable data on the technical properties of new species coming onto the market. They also help to enhance the value of secondary species, which are often overlooked despite having properties similar to those already on the market.

CIRAD's Tropix data sheets are available here