Strength Characterization and Grading of Eku (Brachystegia eurycoma) Timber grown in Kwara State, Nigeria in accordance to BS 5268
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Date
2017
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Department of Civil Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
Strength grading of timber offers a number of advantages both to the designer and the supplier of timber. This study reveals characterization and grading of Nigerian grown Eku (Brachystegia eurycoma) timber using BS 5268 (2002). Specimens used in the experiment were obtained from sawmills in Kwara State, Nigeria. The samples were seasoned naturally for seven months and prepared according to British Standard BS 373 (1957) Methods of Testing Small Clear Specimen of Timber. Test carried out on the prepared specimens were bending, tension, compression and shear parallel to grain, compression perpendicular to grain, moisture content and density. The timber properties determined were adjusted to the values at 12% and 18% moisture content in conformity with BS 5268 (2002) and NCP 2 (1973) for application in the Northern part of Nigeria. All the results were analyzed statistically. Eku has an average moisture content of 11.78% and mean air-dried density of 1148.25kg/m3. The Basic and grade stresses were computed using experimental failure stresses. The material properties showed that, Eku (Brachystegia eurycoma) can be graded and assigned to strength class D40. Therefore Eku timber has been successfully characterized and graded in accordance to British Standard and thereby recommended for load bearing structure like bridge beams.
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Keywords
Characterization,, Grading,, Strength properties,, Three point bending