This contribution aims for an enhanced numerical representation for strength prediction of timber. This implies a validated elasto-plastic continuum damage model which considers orthotropy and heterogeneity of the material, and represents the ductile behavior under compression and the brittle material behavior under tension dependent on the three-dimensional orthogonal fiber directions. The behavior under compression is captured by Hill (1948) plasticity and an exponential hardening law enhanced by the loading direction dependency. The same model covers also the brittle damaging behavior by means of continuum damage mechanics (CDM). In this study, a separated damage mode (SDM) criterion with simultaneously evolving damage variables is investigated. After the experimental validation of the model for axially loaded clear wood samples, the developed numerical model is implemented to a sawn timber with fiber deviation, where homogenization of the material and simplification to transverse isotropy is not anymore possible. The 3D orthotropic material behavior is experimentally validated for this application example with bi-axial loading and aims for further numerical investigation of wood with heterogeneities as occurring in sawn (hard)wood for its efficient use in engineered wood products such as glued laminated timber.@en