Hand carving is often perceived as a purely decorative operation. In structural terms, it is neither neutral nor benign. Every incision removes material, interrupts grain continuity, and alters the internal stress distribution.
REF‑C formalizes carving as a controlled structural discontinuity. It defines the specific protocols required to align ornamental depth with the engineering principles behind bespoke furniture systems.
Hand carving removes fibers selectively, creating regions where load paths must detour around voids. This reduction is critical in large-format bespoke dining tables where span-to-depth ratios are extreme.
Loads follow the path of least resistance. Paths are forced to redirect around reliefs, concentrating stress at transition zones.
Failure initiates at the boundary between carved and uncarved material, not necessarily at the deepest carve.
Stress concentration factors increase at carved fillets and sharp undercuts, particularly within complex architectural neoclassical furniture specification contexts.
OE‑Core™ treats carving as a design‑stage variable integrated into the bespoke furniture specification process, not a post‑processing embellishment.
“The sharper the stiffness gradient between carved and solid zones, the higher the stress amplification.”
Over time, micro‑movement accumulates at discontinuities. OE‑Core™ protocols include allowances for long‑term stress relaxation and seasonal recalibration, ensuring ornamental depth never compromises structural longevity.