TIMBER DESIGN

ASSIGNMENT

Submitted by :
ADRIENNE MARGAUX A. DEJORAS

Submitted to :
ENGR. ERNESTO QUIJOTE

June 5, 2020
Discuss briefly the Mechanical Properties of Timber.
a.) Stress-strain Relationship
A stress–strain curve for a material gives the relationship between stress and strain. It is obtained
by gradually applying load to a test coupon and measuring the deformation, from which the stress and
strain can be determined. These curves reveal many of the properties of a material such as the Young's
modulus, the yield strength and the ultimate tensile strength.
b.) Compressive Strength
Compressive strength or compression strength is the capacity of a material or structure to
withstand loads tending to reduce size, as opposed to which withstands loads tending to elongate. In other
words, compressive strength resists being pushed together, whereas tensile strength resists tension (being
pulled apart). In the study of strength of materials, tensile strength, compressive strength, and shear
strength can be analyzed independently.
c.) Tensile Strength
Tensile strength in the direction of the grain is usually 10-20 times more than its strength
perpendicular to the grain. Tensile strength also depends on the density of the wood: for example, the
tensile strength of the spring wood in a pine is only 1/6 of that of summer wood. The compression
strength of air-dry wood is about half of the corresponding tensile strength.
d.) Bending Strength
The strength of the wood is fundamentally affected by the direction in which it is loaded in
relation to the grain. In the direction of the grain, the bending strength is directly proportional to the
density of the wood. In uniform, flawless wood, the bending strength is as great as the tensile strength.
e.) Shear Strength
The shearing strength of wood is 10-15% of its tensile strength in the direction of the grain.
Shearing strength is weakened by knots and faults and cracks that appear in the wood.
The elasticity and durability of wood increase as its density increases. The modulus of elasticity
of wood in the direction of the grain may be up to a hundred times more than the same parameter
perpendicular to the grain. In the radial direction, the modulus of elasticity is about twice as great as the
same parameter in a tangential direction.

Discuss briefly the Physical Properties of Timber.

a.) Density and Specific weight
The density of wood, exclusive of water, varies greatly both within and between species.
Although the density of most species falls between about 320 and 720 kg/m3 (20 and 45 lb/ft3), the range
of density actually extends from about160 kg/m3 (10 lb/ft3) for balsa to more than 1,040 kg/m3(65 lb/ft3)
for some other imported woods. A coefficient of variation of about 10% is considered suitable for
describing the variability of density within common domestic species.
b.) Moisture Movement
The moisture content of wood below the fiber saturation point is a function of both relative
humidity and temperature of the surrounding air. Equilibrium moisture content (EMC) is defined as that
moisture content at which the wood is neither gaining nor losing moisture; an equilibrium condition has
been reached.
c.) Swelling
The percentage of shrinkage and swelling varies from plant to plant. Some give higher percentage
after drying. Shrinkage starts when cell walls of timber start to release water. In moisture atmosphere
timber swells when cell walls absorb water. Good quality timbers swell less. Timbers having thicker wall
swell more than a thinner one.
d.) Heat Conductivity
Thermal conductivity is a measure of the rate of heat flow through one-unit thickness of a
material subjected to a temperature gradient. The thermal conductivity of common structural woods is
much less than the conductivity of metals with which wood often is mated in construction. It is about two
to four times that of common insulating material.
e.) Sound Conductivity
Wood is a light material, so as such its sound insulation performance is not particularly good.
Neither does a thick, dense-surfaced and smooth wooden structure dampen sound particularly well, so
wood alone is not a good absorption material. Wood conducts sound better in the longitudinal direction of
the grain than perpendicular to it. A dense wooden structure reflects sound, and can easily be made into
surfaces that channel sound reflections. This property is utilized, for example, in musical instruments and
concert halls.
f.) Resistance to action of Acid and Alkali
There were some differences in alkalinity and acidity among adhesives, but this had no consistent
effect on the ability of wood to moderate the extreme pHs. These effects will help reduce the potential for
wood degradation in adhesive joints of wood bonded with strongly alkaline adhesives. The wood also
buffers highly acidic adhesives, but to a lesser extent.

Discuss briefly the Seasoning of Timber.

a.) Advantage of timber
  To change and improve the properties of wood.
 To make a correct percentage of shrinking of woods.
 To make a confident use of woods.
 To reduce the adverse behavior of woods.
b.) Types of timber Seasoning
1. Natural Seasoning
2. Artificial Seasoning
Artificial Seasoning
a. Seasoning by Boiling
Seasoning by boiling wood logs in hot water is called seasoning by boiling. Drying is done after
proper boiling. For a large amount of wood, it is done in an enclosed place where hot steam is passed.

 Advantages
1. It takes a short amount of time. Generally, 3-4 hours is good enough.
2. Develops the strength and elasticity.
 Disadvantages
1. It is serviceable basically for a small quantity of wood, not convenient for a large amount.
2. The cost is high.
b. Chemical seasoning
Reduction of moisture using salt solution is called chemical seasoning. After the absorption of water
by the solution logs are let to dry.

 Advantages
1. It increases the strength of the timber.
2. It is less time-consuming.
 Disadvantage
1. Chemical reagents can sometimes reduce strength.
2. It can cause a problem in gluing or finishing or corrosion while using.
c. Kiln seasoning
Seasoning of wood by using a large chamber or oven where there is a good process for the circulation
of hot air.

 Advantage
1. Most effective and economic seasoning.
2. Kiln seasoning can be done by 2 processes such as:-
3. Progressive kiln Seasoning: Wood log is entered through the kiln ant the temperature and
humidity differentials are maintained through the length of the kiln to maintain proper drying.
4. Compartmental Seasoning: Its maintained by enclosed container or buildings. Advantage: It
accelerates the process because external energy is used.
d. Electrical seasoning
 Dry wood is non-conductor of electricity while green timber is a conductor, so, can pass alternating
current. Thus in this method alternating current is used for drying the cells of wood by creating heat. As
electricity is used, it’s called electrical seasoning.

 Advantage:
1. Using this method quick drying is obtained. a French electrical seasoning method is used to
season overnight.
 Disadvantages:
1. The equipment required is very costly.
2. It is an uneconomic process as a high rate of electricity is consumed.
3. During heating the cells of wood or timber they lose their strength and become weak.
d.) Water Seasoning
Removal of wood sap immersing logs into water flow is called water seasoning. It is carried out
on the banks of the river while thicker ends are kept towards upstream. After that, the logs are allowed to
dry. Disadvantage: It is time consuming such as 2 to 4 weeks generally.

Discuss briefly the Defects of Timber.

a.) Defect due to abnormal growth
Defects due to abnormal growth of trees are natural in nature and they are knots, stakes,  twisted
fiber and rind galls.
 Knots are too much frequent in many trees. They break the continuity of fiber and  weaken the
timber. These defects may of dead or live kind.
Shakes in timber are splits in the grain and often arise as a result of uneven seasoning. They may
be of radial, heart, star, cup and upset kind. An upset or rupture is a shake in which the fracture occurs
across the grain. This is thought to be caused by violet jarring of the timber during felling and is often
found in mahogany.
b.) Defect due to seasoning
Seasoning is the process of drying lumber (either in a kiln or air drying) to an appropriate level of
moisture for woodworking and other commercial uses. During this process, a board may become warped.
The term “warped” is a nonspecific term that refers to a distorted or misshapen board. More specific
terms for warping include cupping, twisting, bowing, crook, and spring. Common seasoning defects,
including types of warping, include:

 Bowing – A curvature formed in the direction of the length of timber. A bowed board is flat, but
bent, like a road going over a hill.
 Check – A check is a crack which separates the fibers of wood. It does not extend from one end
to the other. It occurs across the growth rings and is usually caused by poor or improper drying
processes.
 Crook – Where the board remains flat, but the ends move away from the center. Another type of
warp.
 Twisting – Where the board curves in length and width like a propeller.
 Cupping – Where the face of a board warps up across its width such that if one looks at the end of
the board, it will look like a shallow letter “U.” Is common with plain-sawn lumber.
 Spring – Occurs when the board remains flat in width, but curves in length like a river going
around a bend.
 Case hardening – When lumber or timber is dried too quickly, wood shrinks much at the surface,
compressing its damp interior. This results in unrelieved stress. Case-hardened wood may warp
considerably and dangerously when the stress is released by sawing. Extreme cases of case
hardening leads to honeycombing.
 Honeycombing – During drying, internal stresses cause various radial and circular cracks to
develop in the interior portion of the wood resembling a honeycomb texture. Honeycombing is
among the worst of drying defects because it’s irreversible and usually cannot be detected by
looking at the face of the lumber.

Discuss briefly the Preservation of Timber.

a.) Oil type Preservation
Wood does not swell from treatment with preservative oils, but it may shrink if it loses moisture
during the treating process. Creosote and solutions with heavy, less volatile petroleum oils often help
protect wood from weathering, but may adversely influence its cleanliness, odor, color, paintability, and
fire performance. Volatile oils or solvents with oilborne preservatives, if removed after treatment, leave
the wood cleaner than do the heavy oils but may not provide as much protection. Wood treated with some
preservative oils can be glued satisfactorily, although special processing or cleaning may be required to
remove surplus oils from surfaces before spreading the adhesive.
b.) Water Soluble Preservatives
Waterborne preservatives are often used when cleanliness and paintability of the treated wood are
required. Several formulations involving combinations of copper, chromium, and arsenic have shown
high resistance to leaching and very good performance in service. Waterborne preservatives are included
14–10 in specifications for items such as lumber, timber, posts, building foundations, poles, and piling.
c.) Organic Solvent Preservatives
Light organic solvent preservative (LOSP) is a waterproof timber treatment. LOSP may include
synthetic pyrethroids, imidacloprid, azoles or copper naphthenates, which are all pesticides, but as it uses
a solvent such as white spirit to contain the insecticides and fungicides, it is less hazardous than other
timber treatments.