Abstract:In order to elucidate the mechanical properties and microstructure characteristics of typical soft wood of Chinese fir(Cunninghamia lanceolata) during continuous transverse compression, micro mechanical tester and a self developed in situ inspecting system were applied. Loading rates of 1,10,50 mm/mim were adopted respectively for mechanical testing of wood. The results indicate that the variations of wood mechanical properties at different loading rates are generated from the different position of the first yield point. The in situ inspecting system can accurately characterize the variations of microstructure. Furthermore, the microstructure characteristics can be used to explain mechanical behavior of wood under different loading rates.