A study into the mechanical properties of Neem wood was done to explore the possibility of its usage as a structural material. This paper presents the results of some investigations into the strength properties of Nee...A study into the mechanical properties of Neem wood was done to explore the possibility of its usage as a structural material. This paper presents the results of some investigations into the strength properties of Neem (<em>Azadirachta indica</em> A. Juss.) and compares them with those of Odum (<em>Milicia excelsa</em>) and European Oak (<em>Quercus </em>spp.) which are well known structural wood species in Ghana and Europe, respectively. The properties were determined using British (BS 373, 1957) and American timber testing specifications (ASTM D143, 1983) using testing methods for small, clear specimens of wood. The results showed that at 12% moisture content the wood has a density of 740 kg/m<sup>3</sup> with a mean modulus of rupture of 8317 N/mm<sup>2</sup>, compressive strength parallel to the grain of 318.8 N/mm<sup>2</sup>, modulus of elasticity of 8644 N/mm<sup>2</sup>, and shear strength parallel to the grain of 17 N/mm<sup>2</sup>. The bending strength (MOR) of Neem is about 30% lower than that of Odum and about 2% higher than Oak. The modulus of elasticity of Neem is about 39% lower than Odum and 43% lower than Oak. The strength properties in the present work suggest that the wood of Neem has a potential for utilisation in structural applications.展开更多
Ghana is rich in forest resources, of whichTerminalia catappa, a wood species of common occurrence is one. Even though sometimes it is used for decorative purposes, however, it grows in the wild. It grows in almost al...Ghana is rich in forest resources, of whichTerminalia catappa, a wood species of common occurrence is one. Even though sometimes it is used for decorative purposes, however, it grows in the wild. It grows in almost all the regions of the country and does well in the tropics. The parts of the tree such as the leaves, fruits and seeds have been known to be very useful for medicinal and other uses. Some work on the strength properties of the leaves and other parts has also been done, however, strength properties of the wood are yet to be explored. In this study, its mechanical properties such as bending strength, compression parallel to the grain, and shear parallel to the grain properties were determined. The British (BS 373, 1957) and American Society of Testing Materials’ specifications (ASTM D143, 1983) using testing methods for small, clear specimens of wood were used in determining the properties. The results showed that at 18% moisture content the wood has a density of 520 kg/m<sup>3</sup> with a mean modulus of rupture of 86.04 Mpa, compressive strength parallel to the grain of 42.02 Mpa, modulus of elasticity of 10,500 Mpa, and shear strength parallel to the grain of 16.42 N/mm<sup>2</sup>. These strength properties are comparable to that of Strombosia glaucescens. Therefore, T. catappa can be used in applications where this species is used.展开更多
文摘A study into the mechanical properties of Neem wood was done to explore the possibility of its usage as a structural material. This paper presents the results of some investigations into the strength properties of Neem (<em>Azadirachta indica</em> A. Juss.) and compares them with those of Odum (<em>Milicia excelsa</em>) and European Oak (<em>Quercus </em>spp.) which are well known structural wood species in Ghana and Europe, respectively. The properties were determined using British (BS 373, 1957) and American timber testing specifications (ASTM D143, 1983) using testing methods for small, clear specimens of wood. The results showed that at 12% moisture content the wood has a density of 740 kg/m<sup>3</sup> with a mean modulus of rupture of 8317 N/mm<sup>2</sup>, compressive strength parallel to the grain of 318.8 N/mm<sup>2</sup>, modulus of elasticity of 8644 N/mm<sup>2</sup>, and shear strength parallel to the grain of 17 N/mm<sup>2</sup>. The bending strength (MOR) of Neem is about 30% lower than that of Odum and about 2% higher than Oak. The modulus of elasticity of Neem is about 39% lower than Odum and 43% lower than Oak. The strength properties in the present work suggest that the wood of Neem has a potential for utilisation in structural applications.
文摘Ghana is rich in forest resources, of whichTerminalia catappa, a wood species of common occurrence is one. Even though sometimes it is used for decorative purposes, however, it grows in the wild. It grows in almost all the regions of the country and does well in the tropics. The parts of the tree such as the leaves, fruits and seeds have been known to be very useful for medicinal and other uses. Some work on the strength properties of the leaves and other parts has also been done, however, strength properties of the wood are yet to be explored. In this study, its mechanical properties such as bending strength, compression parallel to the grain, and shear parallel to the grain properties were determined. The British (BS 373, 1957) and American Society of Testing Materials’ specifications (ASTM D143, 1983) using testing methods for small, clear specimens of wood were used in determining the properties. The results showed that at 18% moisture content the wood has a density of 520 kg/m<sup>3</sup> with a mean modulus of rupture of 86.04 Mpa, compressive strength parallel to the grain of 42.02 Mpa, modulus of elasticity of 10,500 Mpa, and shear strength parallel to the grain of 16.42 N/mm<sup>2</sup>. These strength properties are comparable to that of Strombosia glaucescens. Therefore, T. catappa can be used in applications where this species is used.
