generate questions: Knots do not necessarily influence the stiffness of structural timber, this will depend on the size and location. Stiffness and elastic strength are more dependent upon the sound wood than upon localized defects. The breaking strength is very susceptible to defects. Sound knots do not weaken wood when subject to compression parallel to the grain.
What is wood's breaking strength susceptible to? {sep_token} Depending on the placement and size of a knot, what property of structural timber can be affected? {sep_token} What do stiffness and elastic strength depend on more than defects? {sep_token} What direction of compression in relation to its grain won't weaken wood with sound knots in it? {sep_token}