MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THREE SELECTED TIMBER SPECIES IN ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the physical and mechanical properties of some common Nigerian timber species in Abeokuta, southwest Nigeria.. The timber species considered are: Ayinre (Albizia coriaria), Aga (Musanga cecropioides) and Orin dudu (Anogeissus leiocarpus). The physical properties of the selected timber species including moisture content and density were determined in accordance with timber design codes {EN 13183-1 and EN 408}. Mechanical properties of the timber species were determined using both four and three point bending tests based on standards such as EN 408 and ASTM D193. Characteristic values of the material properties were determined in accordance with EN 384. Mechanical properties and density of the selected timber species were modified to the equivalent moisture content of 18% in accordance to the standard code for Timber design in Nigeria (NCP). The least values of the mechanical properties obtained from the two standards mentioned above were considered.