This work aimed to characterize Clarisia racemosa (Oiticica-Amarela) wood specie, with the purpose of making its use feasible for structural purposes. The tests to obtain the physical and mechanical properties were carried out according to the premises established by Brazilian Standard ABNT NBR 7190 (1997), allowing the classification of such species belonging to strength class C60 (hardwood), as well as evaluating the possibility of estimation (linear, exponential, geometric and logarithmic models) of the physical and mechanical properties in function of the apparent density. The obtained values of the mechanical properties evidences the potentiality of the use of this species for structural applications. The results obtained from the regression models implied the possibility of estimating only the mechanical property compressive strength parallel to the grain (fc0) as a function of the apparent density (ap, 12%).

André L. Christoforo: Civil Engineer, Master and PhD in Structural Engineering and Professor at UFSCar. Cristiane Inácio de Campos: Civil Engineer, Master in Architecture, PhD in Materials Science and Engineering and Professor at UNESP. Francisco A. Rocco Lahr: Civil Engineer, Master and PhD in Structural Engineering and Full Professor at EESC/USP.