Effect of Age on the Structural Strength of Timbers Commonly Used in Nigeria
Résumé
Abstract Timber is a material used for structural purposes in construction. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the characteristics of timber, particularly its strength and the factors that influence it. In this study, timbers studied were Brachystegia eurycoma (Eku), Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sapele) and Gmelina Arborea (Melina). A personal visit to the forest where they were freshly retrieved allowed for the collection of samples of timber from varied ages. By counting the number of annual growth rings, which are a combination of early wood and late wood, it was possible to establish the age of the wood. The acquired samples were cut to standard sizes in accordance with BS 373 1957 (Imprint 1999), 20mm X 20mm X 60mm for determining the maximum compressive strength parallel to grain, 20mm X 20mm X 300mm for determining the bending strength, and 20mm X 20mm X 20mm for static stress strength. Results obtained showed that Eku is better in compressive strength and Sapele is worthier in bending strength. The maximum compressive strength value was 49.31kN/m2 (at 45years), 45.89kN/m2 (at 60years) and 11.30kN/m2 (at 25years), maximum bending strength were 187.55kN/m2 (at 35years), 278.79kN/m2 (at 70years) and 176.36kN/m2 (at 20years) and shear strength were 10.05kN/m2 (at 50years), 9.22kN/m2 (at 70years) and 10.91kN/m2 (at 25years) for Eku, Sapele and Melina timbers respectively. In conclusion, it was determined that the strength of wood is influenced by the age of the wood.
Citer ce document
Accès au document
Texte intégral en lecture en ligne, réservé aux abonnés SPHAERO et aux membres de l'institution. Se connecter
Voir l'article sur le site de la revueAuteur(s)
Statistiques
Consultations : 1
Téléchargements : 0