Abstract
Despite their favorable physical and mechanical properties for structural use, tropical woods, such as Iroko (Milicia excelsa), present knowledge gaps to be filled mainly about their mechanical characterization, which currently limit their use or result in under- or overdimensioned structural elements. Visual classification, one of the most used methods for characterizing wood, is inaccurate in the case of Iroko due to the wide variety of geographical locations in which this species can be found. In addition, mechanical characterization using test pieces with structural dimensions leads to high and impractical costs. In this context, this study aims to verify the mechanical properties of Iroko (imported from the Republic of the Congo) from small size specimens, a process that is currently standardized only for softwoods, and to verify the correlation of different properties through bending properties and ultrasound tests. Prior to the bending tests, the speed of propagation of ultrasonic waves was measured using the direct method. The results obtained show a good correlation between density and bending properties and the velocity of propagation of ultrasonic waves.
Highlights
Iroko is widely used as a raw material in structural elements due to its excellent mechanical and physical properties [1,2]
Based on the results obtained in this study regarding density, the Iroko wood samples analyzed could be classified as belonging to strength class D40, according to what is stipulated in the EN 338 [3]
After carrying out the experimental campaign for the mechanical characterization of Iroko wood, imported from the Republic of the Congo, based on small test specimens, it was possible to obtain results compatible with the expectations based on previous studies and available databases
Summary
Iroko is widely used as a raw material in structural elements due to its excellent mechanical and physical properties [1,2]. According to European standards, the wood of. Iroko is assigned to a strength class of D40, as defined in EN 338 [3]. This strength class is recognized by the European standard EN 1912 [4], which is based on the classification made by the British Standard BS 5756 [5]. Due to the recognized quality of its wood, it was introduced in the United States [6]
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