Wood identification of structural elements of seven historical buildings related to Safavid and Qajar periods

Characterization of structural woods in historical buildings has a great importance in technological study of applied details. Herein, seven historical buildings located in Alborz, Isfahan and eastern Azerbaijan provinces related to Safavid and Qajar periods have been assessed. Samplings were done from structural woods of the buildings. Samples were prepared, sectioned and evaluated by transition optical microscope according to IAWA committee instruction. Assessment of microscopic sections of all samples showed the anatomic properties of Salicaceae family and Populus genus. Populus spp is categorized as a native and fast growing wooden species in Iran. Poplar wood has different applications because of its low density with fine uniform texture and showing high flexibility under mechanical stress and. Abundance, lightness and appropriate physical properties were resulted to their widespread application in architectural structures. Identification of poplar wood of all samples indicated to suitable knowledge of expert architects about the wood properties with respect to easy access of the species.