Abstract
The study was conducted to evaluate variations in selected mechanical properties of B. aethiopum. Fifteen B. aethiopum trees from savanna zones in Nigeria were sampled at the base (10%), middle (50%) and top (90%) of the merchantable length and partitioned into outerwood, centrewood and innerwood along the radial plane. Selected strength properties such as impact bending strength (IMB), modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture and maximum compressive strength parallel to grain (MCS//) were evaluated. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at a 0.05. The IMB at base was (22.46 ± 0.07 kJ/m2), middle (20.38 ± 0.08 kJ/m2) and top (11.68 ± 0.0 kJ/m2). The MOE was 14,365.96 ± 284.74 N/mm2, 13,242.54 ± 525.83 N/mm2 and 12,066.129.03 N/mm2 at the base, middle and top, respectively, and the MOR was 130.96 ± 1.06 N/mm2 at the base, 102.98 ± 1.30 N/mm2 at middle and 70.56 ± 1.03 N/mm2 at top. The MCS// decreased from 59.79 ± 16.95 N/mm2 at the base to 45.18 ± 29.16 N/mm2 at the top. Radially, all the parameters assessed (IMB, MOE, MOR and MCS//) decreased from outerwood to the centrewood and further to the innerwood. It is therefore concluded that B. aethiopum mechanical properties were superior at the base and outerwoods. It has the potentials required by construction industries to substitute the primary timber species.
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