An Investigation into the Strength Properties of Three Reclaimed Structural Timber Joist Within the University of Ibadan Community

Abstract

Background and Objective: The investigation presents the results of selected test assessment on physico-mechanical properties of three selected wood residues within the University of Ibadan Campus, Oyo State, Nigeria. Often, reclaimed planks were considered as useful material for heating and energy production, hence, potential re-usability of these residues for plate rack production were determined. Materials and Methods: Four planks of the selected three wood samples each were collected from the University of Ibadan community. The 12 pieces wood samples were cleaned, plained, and converted into required dimension; samples were dried to about 12%moisture content before tests. Selected physico-mechanical properties test (moisture content, volumetric shrinkage, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture were carried out according to ASTM standards. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The results of mean density show that <i>Gliricidia sepium, Milicia excelsa </i>and <i>Funtumia elastica </i>had 1032±0.97kg/m³, 548±0.57kg/m³ and 613±0.33kg/m³, respectively. The mean value for moisture content of <i>G. sepium, M. excelsa and F. elastica</i> ranges from 12.47±1.21, 20.84±1.21 and 18.13±1.21, respectively. While, volumetric shrinkage of <i>G. sepium, M. excelsa and F. elastica </i>ranged from 20.55±2.79, 7.48±2.79 and 11.43±2.79. The <i>G. sepium, M. excelsa and F. elastica </i>had MOE values of 8793.13±643.43 N/mm², 8083.64±643.43 N/mm² and 4299.54±643.43N/mm². The mean values for MOR of <i>G. sepium, M. excelsa and F. elastica </i>ranges 404.69±12.362 N/mm², 434.27±12.36N/mm² and 388.34±12.36N/mm². Conclusion: <i>Gliricidia sepium </i>wood had the highest mean density, low shrinkage value and modulus of elasticity. Therefore, it was found most suitable wood slab for plate rack production from reclaimed wood joist.