Module 3

Density of Wood

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Density of Wood
Density (𝝆) is an important physical characteristic of timber affecting its strength
properties. Density can be a good indicator of the mechanical properties provided that the
timber section is straight grained, free from knots and defects. The value of density as an
indicator of mechanical properties can also be reduced by the presence of gums, resins
and extractives, which may adversely affect the mechanical properties. In this regard, the
prediction of strength on the basis of density alone is not always satisfactory. Research
studies show a coefficient of determination, R2, ranging between 0.16 and 0.4 for density
and 0.2 and 0.44 for the annual ring width

Annual ring width is also critical in respect of strength in that excessive width of such
rings can reduce the density of the timber.

Specific Gravity (𝑺𝑮) or Relative Density is a measure of timber’s solid substance. It is

generally expressed as the ratio of the oven-dry weight of the timber to the weight of an
equal volume of water. Because water volume varies with the moisture content of the
timber, the specific gravity of timber is normally expressed at a certain moisture content.
Basic oven-dry specific gravity of commercial timber ranges from 0.29 to 0.81, most falling
between 0.35 and 0.60.

𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙

𝑆𝐺 = =
𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

All strength and stiffness properties depend on how much cellulose is present, so we
should expect heavier woods to be both stronger and stiffer than lighter woods. Extensive
tests on many species have shown this to be the case. Results of those tests are in the
form of equations relating various strength properties to specific gravity. These equations
are all of the form:

𝐹 = 𝐾(𝑆𝐺)𝑛

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Equations showing these relationships are interesting but have limited value in structural
design. The reason is that so many other factors (besides specific gravity) affect wood
strength, and it is the combination of all these factors that controls the actual strength of
any member.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire No.3 (SAQ3):

1. What is density of wood?
2. What are the factors that affects the density of wood?
3. What is specific gravity?

References:
1. Porteous, Jack, Kermani, Abdy Structural Timber Design to Eurocode 5, 2007
Publish by Blackwell Publishing.
2. Kermani, Abdy, Structural Timber Design, 1998, Published by Wiley Blackwell
3. Judith J. Stalnaker, Ernest C. Harris, Structural Design in Wood 1997, Published
by Springer US

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