WEBSJOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND WESEA ISSN: 1974-1400-X,

ENGINEERING APPLICATION Vol 11, No 1, 2022, 583-595

THE EFFECT OF BOLT ON THE FLEXURAL PERFORMANCE

OF GREEN NAILED LAMINATED TIMBER BEAM OF
ANOGEISSUS LEIOCARPUS
A Iorkar1 and A. A. Adedeji2
1,2,3 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Technology,
University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
1
aiorkar@yahoo.com and 2 gaiadeji@gmail.com
Corresponding Author; Iorkar, A., aiorkar@yahoo.com +2347063446471

ABSTRACT

Nailed laminated timber is the simplest, easiest and cheapest among the laminated timber family but it
is only effective in short span thus limiting its structural application. There is therefore need to
improve the performance of nailed laminated timber. This paper presents the effect of bolt on the
flexural performance of green nailed laminated timber beam of Anogeissus Leiocarpus grown in North
Central Nigeria. The unseasoned laminates of 15mm thick were prepared from Anogeissus Leiocarpus
grown in North Central Nigeria and bolt-nailed 6-layered laminated beam specimens at moisture
content of 79.41% and tested at moisture content of 52.21%. Similar green nailed laminated and sawn
timber beams were tested as control. Three-point bending test method was used in accordance with
ASTM 198 (2018) to generate bending strength and modulus of elasticity in edgewise and flatwise
direction. In the analysis of variance (ANOVA) it was found that addition of bolt on nailed laminated
timber beam has significant effect on the bending strength and modulus of elasticity at 5% significance
level (P = 0.000 < α =0.050). The mean bending strength and modulus of elasticity increased
significantly (22%) with introduction of bolt. The edgewise and flatwise green nailed laminated timber
beam without bolt developed 71.7%, 70.2% and 50.3%, 48.6% mean bending strength and MOE of
corresponding green sawn timber beam tested in this study. Whereas the edgewise and flatwise green
nailed laminated timber beam with bolt developed 90.5%, 76.4% and 88.8%, 70.8% mean bending
strength and MOE of similar green sawn timber beam tested herein this work. The nailed laminated
timber beam with bolt failed in wood and not in bolt just like the sawn timber beam. Nailed laminated
timber beam without bolt loaded in flatwise direction failed in delamination and in tension under the
loading point. The significant difference in green naiad limited timber beams with and without bolt
shows bolt takes tension force even when loaded parallel to the direction of bolt. This research
recommends edgewise green bolt-nailed laminated timber of Anodeissus Leiocarpus for structural use
due to its performance of more than 70% of that of similar green sawn timber in Bending and MOE.
The work also recommended more research on green nailed laminated timber beam with bolt using
wide and thicker laminates to checkmate failure in wood and improve performance. Also other local
timber species should be tested.

Keywords: Anogeissus leiocarpus, bolt, bending strength, green timber, modulus of elasticity,
moisture content and nailed laminated

1. INTRODUCTION
Timber is one of the vast natural occurring raw materials in Nigeria but it has been faced with many
structural limitations such as size, length and good quality timber due to its dependence on sawn
timber only. The structural limitation in span and size has necessitated the need to develop connection
in timber to increase its length and size. However, the development of engineered wood products
(EWPs) such as nailed laminated timber (NLT), cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glued laminated
timber (GLT) among others have eliminated sawn timber limitations as a structural material. Nailed
laminated timber is one of the oldest timber construction techniques but its advantages are renewed as
the timber technology develops (International Building Code, 2018). Sawn timber becomes expensive

583
as the required span length increases and good quality logs become scarce. Also, nailed laminated
timber is the simplest, easiest and cheapest among the laminated timber family because it does not
require special tools, skills or process for fabrication unlike glued laminated and cross laminated
timber. According to Tsaio-Po et al, (2019), metal connectors such as nails and screws used in
assembling built-up timber beams can be highly efficient and time saving because the curing time for
glue is not required.
Zhan, et al., (2020), reported that the traditional CLT panels are made with glue, which can expire
and lose effectiveness over time, compromising the CLT panel mechanical strength. Nail-cross-
laminated timber (NCLT) panels are more reliable connection system. Nailed laminated timber
consists of several pieces of sawn timber joining together with nails or screws forming structural
members with almost unlimited use (NLT, Design Guide, 2017). Nail laminated timber is one of the
mechanically laminated timbers and has been accepted in International Building Code (IBC,2018) and
NLT, Design Guide, 2017, and utilized in various structural applications for building throughout the
World (Herberg, 2019). Several studies have been conducted on sawn timbers as structural material.
Characterization of two commonly used timber species in Nigeria; Isoberlinia doka and Anogeissus
leiocarpus for structural use was carried out by Jimoh, et al., (2018) in according to BS 5268, (2002)
and NCP2, (1973). The study assigned class N2 for Isoberlinia doka.
Iorkar and Adedeji, (2022) reported characterization and grading of green Anogeissuss leiocarpus
Timber Specie Grown in North Central Nigeria and assigned class N2 to the timber specie according to
NCP 2 (1973). The study concluded that green timber samples could also be used to investigate the
strength properties of timber species without loss of accuracy.
Wilson, et al., (2019) tested the Solid and Nail-jointed I-section of Nigerian African Birch
(Anogeissus leiocarpus Timber Column and concluded that the compressive strength of nailed jointed I
column was far lower than that of solid timber. The study on laminated timber related to this work
include but not limited to; Iorkar, et al., (2022) assessed the suitability of Anogeissus leiocarpus
Timber Specie Grown in North Central Nigeria for Manufacture of Green Glued Laminated Timber
Beam. The study used PU glue and the performance in bending and modulus of elasticity was
equivalent to that of green sawn timber. Lesmana and Suhendi, (2017) presents an investigation of
connection performance for a simple supported prefabricated timber beams using Meranti hardwood
(Shorea sp.). The proposed design of bolted connections has been evaluated through experimental
investigation and compared to the simple supported beam without connection. The results demonstrate
the effectiveness of the proposed connection design although the ultimate load of the beam with
connection is only half of the beam without connection. The study concluded that the proposed
connection should be improved.
Herberg, (2019) studied the flexural performance of nail laminated timber crane mats using
various fastener types, fastener spacing, joint location and moisture content. The work concluded that
the MOE of all fastener types was equal ad its bending strength reasonably compared with sawn
timber. An investigation reported by Derikvand, et al., (2019) the bending performance of nail-
laminated timber constructed of two Austrian timber species; Eucalyptus nitens and Eucalyptus
globulus used for plantation. The tested timber panels were constructed of various spans and cross-
sections and subjected to vibration and four-point bending test. The study concluded that under the
limit state design all the nail-laminated timber panels were still in their elastic limit and the
fundamental frequency was above the minimum recommended range of 8 to 10Hz.
Ochiai, et al., (2020) presented experimental verification of new structural design method of nail-
laminated timber for domestic use in Japan. The manufacturing and designed methods were developed
in the study and concluded that the design values are satisfactory with the experimental values. Zhan, et
al., (2020), assessed the flexural performance of NCLT panels made with different types of nails and
explores the effects of key design parameters including the nail incidence angle, nail type, total number
of nails, and number of layers. Results show that NCLT panels have better flexural performance than
traditional CLT panels made with glue. Soriano, et al., (2016), tested the performance of glued
laminated timber reinforced with steel bars and concluded that adding steel bars increase significantly
the stiffness of gluelam which subsequently increase the beam capacity for serviceability.
Tsaio-Po et al, (2019), investigated the performance of glue joint reinforced with screw nail and
concluded that adding screw improved the joint strength particularly in stiffness and the failure became
ductile and not brittle. Shmulsky, et al., (2021) assessed the strength and stiffness of 8-Inch and 12-
Inch Bolt-laminated timber mats and concluded that the bolt-laminated mats developed uniform
strength and stiffness. Although, nailed laminated timber is the simplest, easiest and cheapest among

584
the laminated timber family but it is only effective at short span thus limiting its structural
applications. It performance is also affected with the type of timber specie and the moisture content.
The limitation of the connection and size of beam usually becomes a limitation of timber structure
This explains why there is need to improve the performance of nailed laminated timber and cover
more timber species. This study presents the effect of bolt on the flexural performance of green nailed
laminated timber beam of Nigerian Anogeissuss leiocarpus timber specie grown in North Central
Nigeria. Anogeissuss leiocarpus is one of the widely used timber specie in North Central Nigeria for
construction with appreciable physical properties. Anogeissus leiocarpus (Marki) is from family called
combretaceae. It has sapwood that is dirty white or yellow grey in color and is clearly demarcated. Its
heartwood is nearly black, with a very fine and even texture. It is common in savanna and fringing
forest. It can be sawn fairly easily and is difficult to work with. It is capable of taking a good finish but
it takes nail only with difficulty and sometimes pre-boring is necessary. It has high resistance to
termites, occasionally attacked by large borers. The specie is mostly used in round form, and is
excellent for charcoal Jimoh, et al., 2018).
This paper intends to give general understanding on the structural performance of green nailed
laminated timber beam of Anogeissus leiocarpus timber specie reinforced with bolt as well as optimal
use of timber resources beyond its natural limitations and add value to timber industry.

2. MATERIALS AND METHOD

2.1 Materials and Sampling Method

Samples were collected from logs of freshly felled Anogeissus Leiocarpus timber specie at Mbapa
village of Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State-Nigeria, and sawn into
timber. Fresh samples free from all forms of defects were carefully selected and
conveyed to Civil Engineering Laboratory, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi for preparation
of specimens.
The nail used in this study was a smooth round wire nail manufactured in Nigeria with diameter
2mm at the shank and 50mm long. The nail is made up of high strength steel which are commonly used
for joining (NDS, 2018). The determination of mechanical properties of this nails is outside the scope
of this study however the properties of the nail from manufacturer shall be used if need be. M10
hexagonal bolt with unthreaded shank and grade 5.6 was used with nut and washer. The washer and nut
were 12mm and 10mm diameter respectively.

2.2 Method
2.2.1 Preparation of test specimens
Preparation of test specimens were carried out in Civil Engineering Laboratory, Joseph Sarwuan
Tarka University, Makurdi in accordance with ASTM, D198 (2018), ASTM D143, (2014), and BS
373, (1957). The unseasoned laminas were smooth on both side and The flange and web laminas of the
I-beam were planned on both sides. Three laminas of 15mm thick were first brought together on
workbench clamped and nailed with 2mm diameter nail using manual hammer. The nail was nailed
single row but arranged in zigzag pattern at spacing of 150mm c/c in line with IBC, (2018) which states
that spacing of the nail should not be greater than 450mm but not very close as to cause splitting of the
timber. After nailing the first three laminas, the clamps were loosed and one lamina was added at a
time and nailed until the 6-layer green nailed laminated timber beam specimen was fabricated. The
nailed laminated timber beam was placed on workbench and clamped with F-clamp and holes of
10.5mm diameter were drilled between the nails at spacing of 150mm c/c along the length of the beam
using power drilling machine. M10 hexagonal bolts with unthreaded shank and grade 5.6 were inserted
through the holes with washer and nut placed at the other side of bolts and tighten before untying the
clamp. Eighty specimens of 6-layered green nailed laminated timber beams were fabricated at moisture
contents of 79.41% which was above fiber saturation and not in confirmative with NLT, Design Guide,
(2017). Forty of these nailed laminated timber beams were without bolt. The beam specimen was
dimensioned 50mm x 90mm x 120mm in width, depth and length respectively. Figure 1 presents the
fabrication process of green nailed laminated timber beam specimens while Figure 2 is illustration of 6-
layered green bolt-nailed laminated timber beam

585
 Sawing Green-Nailing Bolting Planning

Figure 1 Fabrication Steps of Green Bolt-nailed Laminated Timber Beam

Figure 2 Illustration of 6-layered Green Bolt-nailed Laminated Timber Beam

2.2.2 Three-Point Bending Test

Three-Point Bending Test was carried out on forty beam specimens of green nailed laminated
timber of Anogeissus Leiocarpus. The beam specimens were dimensioned 50mm x 90mm x 1200mm
in width, depth and length respectively with corresponding green sawn timber for comparison. The
beam specimens were tested flatwise and edgewise to the nail direction. The test was conducted at the
Civil Engineering Laboratory of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria using Universal testing machine
of 250KN capacity with dial gauge, steel roller supports and loading device. Three-point bending test
was performed as shown in Figure 3 in accordance with ASTM D189 (2018), and D143 (2014). The
bending strength and modular of elasticity (MOE) were computed using equations 1 and 2 respectively.
The failure mode of each test beam specimen in bending were noted.

(N/mm2) (1)
2
(N/mm ) (2)

Where P = load at a given point on the load deflection curve in (N), P max, = load at failure (N), L = span
between supports (mm), b = width of test specimens (mm), h = depth of test specimens (mm), MOR =
bending strength (N/mm2),
MOE = modulus of elasticity (N/mm2), Δ = sum of deflection within the proportionality limit (mm).
Figure 3 and Figures 4a and 4b displayed 3-Point Bending Test set up in edgewise and flatwise bolt-
nailed laminated timber beam.
P

500mm 500mm

Figure 3a A 3-Point Bending Test Setup (Flat Loading

400mm 400mm
Figure 3b A 3-Point Bending Test Setup (Edge Loading)

586
2.2.3 Determination of Moisture Content and Density
Moisture content and density of specimens were determined at nailing and at strength test in line
with BS 373, (1957). The sample size of were used. Apparatus used were;
electronic weighting balance, oven drying chamber and measuring tape. The samples were weighed
and placed in oven at a temperature of ( for 24hrs. After 24hrs, the
percentage loss in weight of the final oven-dry weight is taken as moisture content of the test piece.
The moisture content was computed using equation (3)

MC = ( )100% (3)

Where M1 and M2 are mass before and after oven-dry respectively in grams, MC is the moisture content
in percentage. The density of the samples was determined in accordance to BS 373, (1957) using the
sample size of The volume of the test piece, V was obtained from
equation (4)
V= , (4)

Where; V= volume of sample, L = Length, b = breadth and h = height of the test piece.
Density for each sample was computed using equation (5).

(5)

Where, = density of the sample, M = mass of sample.

2.2.4 Statistical Analysis

Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used in this paper for statistical test. ANOVA is a statistical
method in which the total variance in a set of data is partition into many components and specific
source of variation is associated to each of this component. Variation herein is the sum of squared
deviation of values from their means. The total sum of squares which can be generated is the sum of
squared deviation of each observation from the mean of all the observations taken together. Therefore,
the analysis of variance could be used in this work to assess whether there exist any significant
different in the mean values of the properties of green sawn and green nailed laminated timber beam of
Anogeissus Leiocarpus tested in this study in relation to flatwise and edgewise nail lamination. The
ANOVA was conducted at 5% significant level using SPSS Software. The P-value less than 0.05
implies significant difference exist between the mean values of the two properties been tested (bending
and MOE in edgewise and flatwise lamination with or without bolt) otherwise there is no significant
difference.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

3.1 Results of Moisture Content and Density Test
Figures 4a and 4b showed the mean, standard deviation (SD)) for moisture content and density of
Anogeissus Leiocarpus timber specie during nail lamination and strength test respectively. The average
moisture content and density obtained at lamination (ML) and at strength test (MT) were 79.41%,
1189.26kg/m3and 56.21%, 1029.88kg/m3 respectively. The moisture content at nail lamination and at
strength test did not conform with NDS, (2018). The mean moisture content at nail lamination and at
strength test were above fiber situation (25%-30%).

587
 80 1200
75 79.41 1189.28 Mean SD
1100
70 Mean SD
1000
65 1029.88

Density (kg/m3)
Moisture content (%)

60 900
55
56.21 800
50
45 700
40 600
35
30 500
25 400
20
300
15
10 200
5 2.7725 1.6075 100
0 5.972 4.667
ML MT 0
Density at Density at test
lamination

Figure 4a Mean and SD of moisture Content at Lamination Figure 4b Mean and SD of Density at Lamination and
and Test Test

3.2 Results of Three-Point Bending Test

Figures 5a and 5b, 5c and 6d present mean and standard deviation of bending strength and modulus
of elasticity generated from Three-Point Bending Test on 6-layered green nailed laminated timber
beam of Anogeissus leiocarpus tested in latwise and edgewise with corresponding green sawn timber
beam. The results showed that the mean bending strength of flatwise and edgewise green nailed
laminated timber beam with and without bolt were; 33.83N/mm2 and 22.28N/mm2, 40.07N/mm2 and
31.75N/mm2 respectively with their corresponding standard deviation of; 3.31N/mm2 and 3.81N/mm2,
2.80N/mm2 and 3.47N/mm2 respectively. While the sawn timber beam (STB) was 44.26N/mm2 with
value of standard deviation of 6.53N/mm2. The results indicated that the mean modulus of elasticity of
flatwise and edgewise green nailed laminated timber beam with and without bolt were; 7489.69N/mm2
and 5141.64N/mm2, 9392.70N/mm2 and 7424.22N/mm2 respectively with their corresponding standard
deviation of; 69.26N/mm2 and 132.56N/mm2, 50.63N/mm2and 118.85N/mm2 respectively. While the
sawn timber beam (STB) was 10574.15N/mm2 with value of standard deviation of 232.90N/mm2.
Figure 6a revealed that green nailed laminated timber beam tested in flatwise and edgewise with and
without bolt developed 71.7% and 50.3%, 76.4% and 90.5% respectively of mean bending strength of
the sawn timber beam tested herein this work. Whereas the corresponding modulus of elasticity were
88.8% and 70.2% and 4.7% and 70.8% respectively of the green sawn timber beam tested in this study
as displayed in Figure 5b. The relative large value of standard deviation in strength of green sawn
timber indicates large variability in the failure loads of samples tested while the average variability in
green nailed laminated timber beams shows more uniformity in the failure loads of the samples tested.
It was revealed that the edgewise green nailed laminated timber beam has higher mean bending
strength and MOE (33.37N/mm2, 6109.24N/mm2) than the corresponding flatwise beam (31.68N/mm2,
5735.77N//mm2). The higher difference in edgewise and flatwise was because nail does not resist
tension bforce when loaded parallel to the direction of nailing. The results indicated that adding bolt to
green nailed laminated n timber beams significantly increase both the bending strength and stiffness of
the nailed laminated timber beams but higher increase was observed in flatwise (26% increase) than in
edgewise (19% increase) nailed laminated timber beam.

588
 7
NLTB
50.00 6.52
6
45.00
44.26
Mean Bending Strength (N/mm2)

Standard deviation (N/mm2)

40.00 NLTB
5
NBLTB
35.00 34.56
32.27 4
30.00 3.81
3.47
25.00 25.27 3.31
3
2.8
20.00 20.45

15.00 2

10.00
1
5.00

0.00 0
1 2 3 1 2 3
Beam type Beam type
Figure 5a Mean Bending Stress of STB and NLTB with & without Bolt. Figure 5b SD of STB & NLTB
with & without Bolt

10574.1 NLTB
5
10000.00 NBLTB
250.00
Standard deviation of MOE (N/mm2)

232.90
232.9
8383.19 NLTB
8000.00
Mean MOE (N/mm2)

200.00 NBLTB
7563.23 7500.19

6000.00 150.00
5141.64 132.56
4000.00 100.00 108.30 101.42
87.06

2000.00 50.00

0.00 0.00
1 2 3 1 2 3
Beam type Beam type

Figure 5c Mean MOE of STB and NLTB with & without Bolt. Figure 5d SD of STB & NLTB with &
without Bolt

Note: Beam type 1 = STB = sawn timber beam, beam type 2 = NBLTB = nailed laminated timber beam
with bolt and beam type 3 = NLTB = nailed laminated timber beam without bolt

589
 STB is sawn timber beam STB is sawn timber beam
ENLTB is edgewise nailed laminated timber ENLTB is edgewise nailed laminated
beam timber beam
FNLTB is flatwise nailed laminated timber FNLTB is flatwise nailed laminated
beam timber beam
ENBLTB is edgewise nail-bolt laminated ENBLTB is edgewise nail-bolt
timber beam laminated timber beam
FNBLTB is flatwiae nail-bolt laminated FNBLTB is flatwiae nail-bolt laminated
timber beam timber beam
100 100
Bending strength in (%)

100

% of MOE(%)
80 80 100
87.07 88.8
60 72.9 60 70.2 70.8
67.4
40 40
46.2 48.6
20 20
0 0

Figure 6a Bending Stress in % of Sawn Timber Beam Figure 6b Mean MOE in % of Sawn
Timber Beam

3.3 ANOVA for Moisture Content at Nail Lamination and at Strength Test of Anogeissus
leiocarpus
One-way analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) was conducted on moisture content obtained during
nailing and strength test on Anogeissus Leiocarpus using Easyfit Software and the results generated is
displayed in Table 1. The results revealed that the difference in the mean moisture content during
glued laminated timber beams and at strength test was statistically significant at alpha level of 0.05 (P
= 0.0000 < α = 0.05, Fcal = 1047.69 > Fcrit = 4.09).

Table 1 ANOVA for Moisture Content at Nail Lamination and at Strength Test (Anogeissus
Leiocarpus)
Groups Count Sum Average Variance Maxi Min.
Moisture
Content at
Lamination (%) 20 1588.102 79.40512 7.686528 85.25 74.11
Moisture
Content at Test
(%) 20 1124.196 56.20979 2.584128 59.36 53.16
ANOVA
Source of
Variation SS df MS Fcal. P-value Fcrit
Between Groups 5380.236 1 5380.236 1047.691 2.84E-29 4.098172
Within Groups 195.1425 38 5.135328
Total 5575.378 39

3.4 ANOVA for Density at Nailing and at Strength Test of Anogeissus Leiocarpus
Table 2 displayed the results of one-way analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) on density generated
during nailing and at strength test of Anogeissus Leiocarpus using Easyfit Software. The results
indicated that the difference in the mean density during nailed laminated timber beams and at strength
test was statistically significant at alpha level of 0.05 (P = 0.0000 < α = 0.05, Fcal =8846.40 > Fcrit =
4.08). It also revealed that density decreases with decrease in moisture content.

590
 Table 2 ANOVA for Density at Nail Lamination and at Strength Test (Anogeissus Leiocarpus)
Groups Count Sum Average Variance Maxi Min.
Density at
Lamination (%) 20 23785.6 1189.28 35.66484 1196.80 117.60
Density at Test (%) 20 20597.6 1029.88 21.77853 1037.60 1025.50
ANOVA
Source of Variation SS df MS Fcal. P-value Fcrit
Between Groups 254083.6 1 254083.6 8846.403 1.26E-46 4.098172
Within Groups 1091.424 38 28.72168
Total 255175 39

3.5 ANOVA for Effects of Bolt and Loading Direction on Bending Strength of Green Nailed
Laminated Timber Beams
Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on the results of Three-Point Bending Test for 6-
layered green nailed laminated timber beams with and without bolt and green sawn timber beam of
Anogeissus Leiocarpus using SPSS Software is displayed in Table 3. The results showed that the
difference in mean bending strength of green nailed laminated timber beam (NLTB) tested in edgewise
and flatwise with and without bolt was statistically significant at alpha level 0.050 (P = 0.000 < α =
0.050). Also, the difference in the mean bending strength of green sawn timber (STB) with edgewise
and flatwise nailed laminated timber beam s with and without bolt were statistically significant at alpha
level of 0.05 (P = 0.000 > α = 0.050). The results of simple mean effect revealed that edgewise green
nailed laminated timber beam without bolt developed 12.51N/mm2 mean bending strength lower than
the green sawn timber beam whereas the flatwise nailed laminated timber beam without bolt developed
21.98N/mm2 bending strength lower than the corresponding sawn timber beam. When bolt was added,
there was significantly increase in strength of bolt the edgewise and flatwise nailed laminated timber
beams and their difference with sawn timber beam reduced to 4.19N/mm2 and 10.43N/mm2
respectively. The significant difference in edgewise and flatwise nailed laminated timber beam without
bolt was because nail does not resist tension force when loaded parallel to the direction of nailing but
strength increases when bolt was added due to resistance of bolt to tension force even when loaded
parallel.

Table 3 Effect of Bolt and Loading Direction on Bending Strength of Green Nailed Laminated Timber
Beams (Anogeissus Leiocarpus)
95% Confidence Interval
Lower
(I) Beam type (J) Beam type Mean Difference (I-J) -Std. Error P-value Bound Upper Bound
*
STB ENLTB 12.5080 1.32547 .000 8.8220 16.1940
FNLTB 21.9785* 1.32547 .000 18.2925 25.6645
*
ENBLTB 4.1885 1.32547 .018 .5025 7.8745
FNBLTB 10.4330* 1.32547 .000 6.7470 14.1190
ENLTB STB -12.5080* 1.32547 .000 -16.1940 -8.8220
FNLTB 9.4705* 1.32547 .000 5.7845 13.1565
*
ENBLTB -8.3195 1.32547 .000 -12.0055 -4.6335
FNLTB -2.0750 1.32547 .523 -5.7610 1.6110
FNLTB STB -21.9785* 1.32547 .000 -25.6645 -18.2925
*
ENLTB -9.4705 1.32547 .000 -13.1565 -5.7845
ENBLTB -17.7900* 1.32547 .000 -21.4760 -14.1040
FNBLTB -11.5455* 1.32547 .000 -15.2315 -7.8595
ENBLTB STB -4.1885* 1.32547 .018 -7.8745 -.5025
ENLTB 8.3195* 1.32547 .000 4.6335 12.0055
FNLTB 17.7900* 1.32547 .000 14.1040 21.4760
FNBLTB 6.2445* 1.32547 .000 2.5585 9.9305
*
FNBLTB STB -10.4330 1.32547 .000 -14.1190 -6.7470
ENLTB 2.0750 1.32547 .523 -1.6110 5.7610
FNLTB 11.5455* 1.32547 .000 7.8595 15.2315
*
ENBLTB -6.2445 1.32547 .000 -9.9305 -2.5585
Note: STB is sawn timber beam, ENLTB is edgewise nailed laminated timber beam, FNLTB is flatwise nailed laminated timber
beam, ENBLTB is nailed laminated timber beam with bolt and FNBLTB is flatwise nailed laminated timber beam with bolt .

591
 3.6 ANOVA for Effects of Bolt and Loading Direction on MOE of Green Nailed Laminated
Timber Beams
Table 4 displayed ANOVA results generated from the results of Three-Point Bending Test on 6-layered
green nailed laminated timber beam and similar sawn timber beam of Anogeissus Leiocarpus based on
mean modulus of elasticity (MOE) using SPSS Software. The results showed that the difference in
mean modulus of elasticity of green nailed laminated timber beam (NLTB) tested in edgewise and
flatwise with and without bolt was statistically significant at alpha level 0.050 (P = 0.000 < α = 0.050).
Also, the difference in the mean modulus of elasticity of green sawn timber (STB) with edgewise and
flatwise nailed laminated timber beam s with and without bolt were statistically significant at alpha
level of 0.05 (P = 0.000 > α = 0.050). The results of simple mean effect revealed that edgewise green
nailed laminated timber beam without bolt developed 3149.93N/mm2 mean MOE lower than the green
sawn timber beam whereas the flatwise nailed laminated timber beam without bolt developed
5432.52N/mm2 MOE lower than the corresponding sawn timber beam. When bolt was added, there
was significantly increase in strength of both the edgewise and flatwise nailed laminated timber beams
and their difference with sawn timber beam reduces to 1181.45N/mm2 and 3084.46N/mm2
respectively. The significant difference in edgewise and flatwise nailed laminated timber beam without
bolt was because nail does not resist tension force when loaded parallel to the direction of nailing but
strength increases when bolt was added due to resistance of bolt to tension force even when loaded
parallel.

Table 4 Effect of Bolt and Loading Direction on MOE of Green Nailed Laminated Timber Beams
(Anogeissus leiocarpus
(J) Beam 95% Confidence Interval
(I) Beam type type Mean Difference (I-J) Std. Error P-value Lower Bound Upper Bound
STB ENLTB 3149.9280* 43.19757 .000 3029.8014 3270.0546
FNLTB 5432.5155* 43.19757 .000 5312.3889 5552.6421
ENBLTB 1181.4530* 43.19757 .000 1061.3264 1301.5796
*
FNBLTB 3084.4615 43.19757 .000 2964.3349 3204.5881
ENLTB STB -3149.9280* 43.19757 .000 -3270.0546 -3029.8014
FNLTB 2282.5875* 43.19757 .000 2162.4609 2402.7141
ENBLTB -1968.4750* 43.19757 .000 -2088.6016 -1848.3484
FNBLTB -65.4665 43.19757 .555 -185.5931 54.6601
FNLTB STB -5432.5155* 43.19757 .000 -5552.6421 -5312.3889
ENLTB -2282.5875* 43.19757 .000 -2402.7141 -2162.4609
ENBLTB -4251.0625* 43.19757 .000 -4371.1891 -4130.9359
FNBLTB -2348.0540* 43.19757 .000 -2468.1806 -2227.9274
ENBLTB STB -1181.4530* 43.19757 .000 -1301.5796 -1061.3264
*
ENLTB 1968.4750 43.19757 .000 1848.3484 2088.6016
FNLTB 4251.0625* 43.19757 .000 4130.9359 4371.1891
FNBLTB 1903.0085* 43.19757 .000 1782.8819 2023.1351
*
FNBLTB STB -3084.4615 43.19757 .000 -3204.5881 -2964.3349
ENLTB 65.4665 43.19757 .555 -54.6601 185.5931
FNLTB 2348.0540* 43.19757 .000 2227.9274 2468.1806
*
ENBLTB -1903.0085 43.19757 .000 -2023.1351 -1782.8819
Note: STB is sawn timber beam, ENLTB is edgewise nailed laminated timber beam, FNLTB is flatwise nailed laminated timber
beam, ENBLTB is nailed laminated timber beam with bolt and FNBLTB is flatwise nailed laminated timber beam with bolt

3.7 Load-deflection Curve

Figure 7 displays the Load-deflection response of green sawn and green nailed laminated timber beam
with and without bolt of Anogeissus Leiocarpus in bending parallel to grain. The results revealed that
deflection increase with increase in load and the relationship is almost linear up to the failure in sawn
and flatwise nailed laminated time. This results showed sawn timber does not move into plastic stage of
deformation Aguwa and sadiku, (2012). But the edgewise nailed laminated timber beam shows plastic
deformation due to the presence of ductile material, the nail. However, the green nailed laminated
timber with bolt failed in wood and not in bolt as such did not moved into plastic stage of deformation.
It was also revealed that nailed green laminated timber beam deflected higher and flatwise beam was
the highest. Further increase in loading up to 8000 and 13000N for sawn and nailed laminated timber
beam, failure occurred. The tension failure was observed on the wood beneath the loading point of

592
edgewise nailed laminated with and without, and the sawn timber beams as showed in Figures 9a and
9b respectively.

Saw timber FNTB ENLTB FNBLTB ENBLTB

12.00

10.00
Deflection (mm)

8.00

6.00

4.00

2.00

0.00
1000 3000 5000 7000 9000 11000 13000

Failure load (N)

Figure 7 Load-deflection Curve for Bending of Green Sawn and nailed Laminated
Timber Beams with and without bolt

However, in flatwise nailed laminated timber beam without bolt delamination and tension were
observed as displayed in figure 9c but the flatwise with bolt failed in tension and the failure was in the
wood not the bolt or nail. This results indicated that nail does not take tension force when loaded
parallel to the nailing direction

Figure 86a Failure mode of Sawn Timber Beam Fgure 8b Failure mode of Edgewise nailed
under flexure laminated timber

Figure 9c Failure mode of Flatwise nailed Laminated Timber Beam under Flexure

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 4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
This study presents the effect of bolt on the bending strength and modulus of elasticity of green
nailed laminated timber beam of Anogeissus Leiocarpus in accordance with ASTM 198, (2018)
including green sawn timber as a control. In the analysis of variance (ANOVA) it was found that
addition of bolt on nailed laminated timber beam has significant effect on the bending strength and
modulus of elasticity at 5% significance level (P = 0.000 < α =0.050). The mean bending strength and
modulus of elasticity increased significantly (22%) with introduction of bolt. The edgewise and
flatwise green nailed laminated timber beam without bolt developed 71.7%, 70.2% and 50.3%, 48.6%
mean bending strength and MOE of corresponding green sawn timber beam tested in this study.
Whereas the edgewise and flatwise green nailed laminated timber beam with bolt developed 90.5%,
76.4% and 88.8%, 70.8% mean bending strength and MOE of similar green sawn timber beam tested
herein this work. The nailed laminated timber beam withbolt failed in wood as such did not moved
into plastic stage of deformation. while in flatwise nailed laminated timber beam without bolt failed in
delamination and in tension under the loading point. The significant difference green naiad limited
timber beams with and without bolt shows bolt takes tension force even when loaded parallel to the
nailing direction of bolt. This research recommends edgewise green nailed laminated timber of
Anodeissus Leiocarpus for structural use due to its performance of more than 70% as similar green
sawn timber in bending and MOE. The work also recommended more research on green nailed
laminated timber beam with bolt using wide and thicker laminates to checkmate failure in wood. Also
other local timber species should be tested.

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