Republic of the Philippines

CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE

F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Timber
Objectives:

•To be able to define and identify the different types of timber

•To understand the uses of the different types of timber in construction

•To be aware of the different test methods done in timber

•To be able to understand and calculate the different test methods done in timber

•To identify the properties of a good quality timber

What is timber?

•Timber is a type of wood that has been processed into beams and planks, which
are then used in construction works. Timber is another word for natural wood. It is also known
as “lumber” in the US and Canada.

•There are different types of timber but only a few are used in construction work.

•Timber can be divided into three (3) categories: Softwoods, Hardwoods, and
Engineered Woods.

Category Softwood Hardwood Engineered Wood

These trees are These trees are slow Engineered wood
conifers and growers and are is man-made and
gymnosperms, considered thus can be made
Growth meaning they do not angiosperm, from different kinds
shed their leaves. deciduous trees (they of wood, softwood,
shed their leaves or hardwood.
annually).
The lower the density, Hardwoods are Engineered wood
the weaker and less durable, which makes has multiple layers
Density/Durability durable the softwood them long-lasting. of wood panels
gets. which makes them
durable.
Commonly used in Commonly used for Engineered wood
walls, ceilings, furniture, floorings, and can also can be used in
doors, and windows. be used for cladding, walls, ceilings,
Application
paneling, buildings, doors, molding,
fencing, and outdoor and internal
decks. paneling.

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 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Softwood grows much Hardwood is not as Engineered wood

quicker than renewable as tends to be made
Sustainability hardwood and is softwood but is from a waste
considered a considered because section of felled
renewable source. of its durability. trees (planks).
Softwood has a Hardwood comes in a Engineered Wood
seamless finish and is different range of is a commonly flat
suitable for a range of colors and finishes that board with a
Appearance
applications and suit any style setting. seamless finish and
styles. has 3 layers of
wood.
Softwood requires Hardwood does not Engineered Wood
more regular require regular requires regular
maintenance than maintenance cleaning using a
Maintenance hardwood to ensure its because of its dry cloth to ensure
longevity. durability. Scratches its longevity.
and dents can be fixed
easily.
Softwood is cheaper They are generally They are typically
than hardwood as more expensive due to cheap but depend
Cost
they are fast growers their slower rate of on the size.
and is easier to have. growth and durability.
Cedar, Fir, Hemlock, Oak, Mahogany, Ash, Plywood,
Spruce, Pine, and Birch, and Maple Trees fibreboard,
Examples
Redwood blockboard,
particle board

•The following are the timbers that are commonly used in construction in the Philippines.

•Molave- considered one of the hardest local woods. Molave has a fine texture that
makes it smooth to the touch. It comes in colors from pale yellow to pinkish-brownish tone
and is a mostly straight grain.

•Kamagong- also known as Philippine Ebony. It has black heartwood (inner region)
and gray sapwood. It is commonly used on accent pieces.

•Narra- this is a popular tropical wood that has tones that range from yellow to red.
The grain is often interlocked and wavy. The texture can be average-fine to average-
coarse.

•Yakal- this wood has a tone that ranges from yellow to golden-red. Yakal is another
local mahogany type of wood. Usually used in surface finishes and furniture.
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 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

•Tanguile- one of the seven local wood and is often referred to as Philippine
Mahogany. It is a moderately hard reddish wood. It boasts of fine ribbon or straight grain
and is relatively soft and easy to use, but resilient enough for outdoor construction.

•Apitong- one of the most essential types of framework wood. Apitong is usually used
for truck flooring and outdoor furniture.

•Gmelina- this wood is extremely lightweight and has a soft texture. It can be found
in most tropical regions and is a fast-growing tree. This wood is mainly used in furniture, light
construction, and structural work.

•Mahogany- it is a straight-grained, reddish-brown timber. Mahogany is used

commercially for a wide variety of goods, due to its coloring and durable nature.

•Merbau- also known as Kwila, or Ipil. It is hardwood and is suited for flooring and
decking.

•Pine- one of the most popular species of wood in the Philippines due to its versatile
uses. It is softer than hardwood but is resistant to shrinking and swelling.

TEST METHODS

•There are five (5) important quality tests and procedures done in timber to find if it is
sustainable and well-suited for construction purposes.

1. Moisture Content Test

2. Tensile Strength Test
3. Compressive Strength Test
4. Shear Strength Test
5. Bending Test
MOISTURE CONTENT TEST (IS I 2380 PART IV- 1977)

•This determines the moisture content in wood. Wood naturally contains a small amount of
moisture content. A weighing machine and a drying oven are important apparatuses for
the water absorption test.

• Initially, Take the specimen with a size of 5cm x 5cm x 2.4cm.

• Then using a weighing machine weigh the specimen. Mark it as W1.
• After that oven-dry the timber at a temperature of 103-degree Celsius.
• Later, take out the specimen when becomes dry.
• Again, weigh and mark the weight of the dry specimen as W2.
• Finally, calculate the percentage of moisture content by

(𝑊1 − 𝑊2 )
% 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 =
𝑊2

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 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Wherein,

𝑊1 =weight of moisture in sample

𝑊2 =dry weight of sample

TENSILE STRENGTH TEST (IS I 2380 PART IV- 1977)

•This determines the strength and ability to withstand breaking. This can also determine the
load-carrying capacity of the wood.

• Firstly, take a specimen with 5cm x 5cm and 20cm in length.

• Then place the specimen on the base plate of the instrument.
• After that apply load either parallel or perpendicular to the grains.
• Mark the load at which the wood breaks.
• Finally, calculate the tensile strength of the wood.

𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑑

𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ =
𝐶𝑟𝑜𝑠𝑠 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST (IS I 2380 PART IV- 1977)

•This determines the crushing strength of the timber. This also determines the load which
the wood can support over a period.

• Initially, take a specimen with a size of 5cm x 5cm x 20cm.

• Then place the specimen in the compressive testing machine.
• Following this, apply load parallel to the grains.
• The specimen should be free from defects. Gradually increase the load.
• Then note down the load at which the timber breaks.
• Lastly, calculate the compressive strength.

𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑠

𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ =
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛

SHEAR STRENGTH TEST (IS I 2380 PART IV- 1977)

•This determines the load applied parallel to the grains.

• The size of the specimen for shear strength is 5cm x 5cm x6.25 cm.
• Then cut the corner of the specimen.
• Thus, it produces failure on 5cm x 5cm surface.
• However, this failure occurs tangentially or radially.

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 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

𝑃
𝜎=
𝐴

Wherein,

𝜎=stress

P=load

A=surface area

BENDING STRENGTH TEST (IS I 2380 PART IV- 1977)

•This determines the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity.

• Insert the bending device in the UTM.

• Measure the width and depth of the wooden beam.
• Adjust the support for the required distance and clamp to the lower table.
• Fix the transverse test pan at the lower side of the lower cross head.
• Fix it on the rollers of the transverse test brackets such that the load comes at the
center and measure the length of the span of the beam between the supports for
central loading.
• Adjust the load pointer to zero by lifting the lower table. While applying the load,
the deflection corresponding to each load is found out from the vernier scale on
the UTM.
• Note down the maximum deflection and the maximum load.

There are two (2) methods of bending strength.

•Three-point Bending Strength Test- continually increasing load is applied in the center of
the sample until there is a break or permanent bend in the material. A flexural test
machine can apply increasing amounts of force and precisely record the amount of
force at the point of breaking.

3𝐹𝐿
𝜎=
2𝑤𝑑 2

Wherein,

𝜎=bending strength

F=maximum force applied

L=length of the sample

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 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

w=width of the sample

d=depth of the sample

•Four-point Bending Strength Test- this is like the three-point bending strength test, except
the load is applied at two points simultaneously, again towards the center of the sample.
It is easiest to calculate the flexural strength when one load or force is applied one-third
of the way between the supports and the second is applied two-thirds of the way
between them. So, in this example the middle third of the sample would have forces
applied at either side of it.

𝐹𝐿
𝜎=
𝑤𝑑 2

Wherein,

𝜎=bending strength

F=maximum force applied

L=length of the sample

w=width of the sample

d=depth of the sample

PROPERTIES OF GOOD QUALITY TIMBER

•The timber should posses the following qualities for it to be used in construction.

The following are the physical and mechanical properties that affects the quality of
the timber.

• Color
• Appearance
• Hardness
• Specific Gravity
• Moisture Content
• Grain
• Shrinkage and Swelling
• Strength
• Density
• Toughness
• Elasticity
• Warping
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 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

• Durability
• Defect less
• Workability
• Soundness
• Free of abrasion

Color
Color is a uniform property by which most trees are characterized as they show variation
from tree to tree. Light color indicates weak timber. For example, freshly cut teak, Deodar,
and Walnut have a golden yellow, whitish, and dark brown shades respectively.
Appearance
Smell is a good property as timbers for few plants as they can be identified by their
characteristic aroma. Fresh cut timbers have a good smell.
Hardness
For the resistance of any kind of damage, hardness is an obvious property.
Specific Gravity
Variation of timber in specific gravity (0.3-0.9) is found. It depends on pores present inside
timber. The specific gravity of this light material is less than that of water (<1). But in case of
compact wood where pores are almost absent and become heavier, their specific gravity
increases up to 1.5.
Moisture Content
Timbers are hygroscopic and gain water from nature (atmosphere). The absorption of
water or dehydration depends on atmospheric humidity. If timbers moisture content is high
that means the timber quality is low. Water content is the risk of fungal attack.
Grain
Several types of grain arrangement found. On the grain structure quality of timber varies.
Grains remain closely related.

1. Straight grain: Arrangement of vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) is important which
grow parallel to the length of the timber that is termed as straight grain.
2. Coarse grain: vascular tissue and fibre arranged broadly and widely.
3. Interlocked grain: Instead of parallel arrangement twisted, a spiral arrangement may
be found.

Shrinkage and 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.
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 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Strength
Best quality timbers have the highest strength. Strength means capable to bear loads.
Anisotropic material like timber has different structure at the different portion. So, the
strength of timber is different at different points. Grain structure determines the strength of
the timber. Some types of strength are

1. Compressive strength: 500 kg/cm2 to 700 kg/cm2 load is enough to test timbers
strength.
2. Tensile strength: When timber is enough strong to the tensile force. If perpendicular
force is made then timber is weaker. 500-2000 kg/cm2 is the range of tensile strength
load.
3. Transverse strength: Enough bending strength indicates good quality timber.

Density
Timber having higher density have a thicker wall. An important property that quality of
timber. Moisture content: Presence of defects: There may be some of the natural and
artificial defects in timber such as cross-grain, knots, and shakes, etc. All of them cause a
decrease in the strength of the timber.
Toughness
Timber must have the capability to bear shocks, jerk. Anti-bending and ant splitting
characteristic is needed. Old timbers have annual rings which indicate their age is a good
indicator.
Elasticity
Another property elasticity means timber should attain its own shape after use. Because of
this quality, it is used in sports bat.
Warping
Environmental change with season cannot affect good quality timber.
Durability
A good quality timber has the property to resist the attack the infection of fungus or other
insects. This resistance quality makes timber better.
Defect less
This property is gained if the timber is from a sound tree. A defect less tree is free from sap,
shakes, and dead knots.
Workability
A good timber is always easy to work on it. Easy to drag using saw on good timber. The
finishing can be done well.

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 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Soundness
A good quality timber gives good sound.
Texture
The texture of good timber is fine and even.
Free of Abrasion
Timber should not be damaged by the external environment. It must gain the ability to
protect its skin.

MEMBERS:

BABEJES, MICHAEL JOHN

CONMIGO, MARIE CRIST

GAMELO, JOHN KENNETH

GUADALUPE, GEROME JAILE

LIGAO, MARJOJO

PEÑALOZA, APRIL ANN

SALES, JAIRA

VILLANUEVA, JHON REX

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 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES NORTE STATE COLLEGE
F. Pimentel Avenue, Brgy. 2, Daet, Camarines Norte – 4600, Philippines

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Reference/s:

https://www.homify.ph/ideabooks/2894378/7-types-of-wood-you-can-use-for-your-
house

https://www.filtratimber.com/wood/wood-species/

https://vincivilworld.com/2021/03/31/timber-important-quality-tests-procedures/

https://sciencing.com/how-8086903-calculate-compressive-strength.html

https://civiltoday.com/civil-engineering-materials/timber/182-properties-of-
timber?fbclid=IwAR1Csq-nb6HVOQrf81xxhPzNc6bP3ENO-aWyNXr7pVtINq_4lGaiBjVItDU

https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/other/what-is-
timber/?fbclid=IwAR0rSvvMnmw3KvmhNsSKd2G9V7TuDRrqV6nVq6YwJx3eODnwV3mbea
hCh0o

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0in%20tension

https://theconstructor.org/building/building-material/characteristics-good-
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QlCa5SchZgYAg

https://eartheclipse.com/energy/uses-of-
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iXE37w

https://www.modinex.com.au/hardwood-vs-softwood-pros-cons-best-
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https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/lyceum-of-the-philippines-university/bs-
architecture/hardwood-and-softwood-in-the-
philippines/17946478?fbclid=IwAR1A0xq7gCI9BTZma-
WPhV3FES7gbY2Q9VRoxqY6faR2nFymZ3eHjDz9J9Q

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