Building Materials II (AR 503): TIMBER

Previous Class:
 Introduction of timber and wood
 Classification of timber trees and types
 Structure of exogeneous tree

Today’s Class:
 Seasoning of timber: Natural & Artificial Seasoning
 Decay and preservation of timber
Seasoning of Timber: Introduction
 A freshly felled tree contains lot of moisture which is usually
inform of sap
 Seasoning of timber is the process by which moisture content in
the timber is reduced to required level.

 Reduction of moisture content along with improving some

qualities before the use of woods is called seasoning of timber.

 By reducing moisture content, the strength, elasticity and

durability properties are developed.
 A well-seasoned timber has 15% moisture content in it.
 Moisture in timber can be present either in the cell cavities or in
the cell walls

 The former moisture is known as free moisture and latter one as

bound moisture
 When timber is exposed to atm, free moisture is lost first
 Removal of free moisture is known as fibre saturation point
 Loss of bound moisture causes shrinkage of timber
Seasoning of Timber: Advantages

i) Imparts hardness, stiffness, strength and better electrical resistance

ii) Makes timber easily workable and facilitate operations during conversion
iii) Maintains the shape and size of the component of the timber article which is expected to
remain unchanged in shape
iv) Reduces the tendency of timber to crack, warp and shape
v) Makes safe from the attack of fungi and insects
vi) Suitable for glueing i.e. effectively joining two members of timbers of timber with aid of
glue
vii) Burns readily when used as fuel
viii)Fit for receiving treatment of paints, varnish, preservatives etc.
Seasoning of Timber: Methods

Natural Seasoning Artificial Seasoning

Seasoning by Boiling
Air Seasoning

Chemical Seasoning
Water Seasoning

Kiln Seasoning

Electrical Seasoning
Seasoning of Timber: Methods: Natural Seasoning

Natural seasoning is the process in which timber is seasoned

by subjecting it to the natural elements such as air or water.

1. Water seasoning

 Water seasoning is the process in which timber is

immersed in water flow which helps to remove the sap
present in the timber.
 It is carried out on the banks of the river while thicker
ends are kept towards upstream.
 It will take 2 to 4 weeks of time and after that the timber is
allowed to dry.
 Well-seasoned timber is ready to use.
Seasoning of Timber: Methods: Natural Seasoning

2. Air seasoning

 In the process of air seasoning timber logs are arranged

in layers in a shed.
 The arrangement is done by maintaining some gap with
the ground.
 So, platform is built on ground at 300mm height from
ground. The logs are arranged in such a way that air is
circulated freely between logs.
 By the movement of air, the moisture content in timber
slowly reduces and seasoning occurs.
 Even though it is a slow process it will produce well-
seasoned timber.
Seasoning of Timber: Methods: Natural Seasoning

Advantages:

 Depending upon the climatic conditions, the moisture content of wood can be brought to about 10-
20%
 It does not require skilled supervision

 Thick timber sections can be successfully seasoned only by air seasoning

 Cheap and simple

Disadvantages:
 No control as process depends upon natural air
 Very slow process >> months of time
 May not be uniform and even
 Ends of timber dry rapidly >> may split
 Moisture content may not be brought to the desired level
 Chances of attack by fungi and insects
 Requires large space
Seasoning of Timber: Methods: Artificial Seasoning

Natural seasoning gives good results but takes more time. So,
artificial seasoning of timber is developed nowadays. By
artificial seasoning, timber is seasoned with in 4-5 days.
1. Seasoning by Boiling

 Seasoning of timber is also achieved by boiling it in water

for 3 to 4 hours.
 After boiling timber is allowed to drying
 For large quantity of timber boiling is difficult so, sometimes
hot steam is passed through timber logs in enclosed room.
 It also gives good results.
 The boiling or steaming process develops the strength and
elasticity of timber but economically it is of heavier cost.
Seasoning of Timber: Methods: Artificial Seasoning

2. Chemical Seasoning

 Timber is stored in suitable salt solution for some time.

 Then seasoned in the ordinary way
 The salt solution used has the tendency to absorb water from
the timber.
 So, the moisture content is removed and then timber is allowed
to drying.
 Interior surface of timber dries in advance of exterior surface
and hence chances of development of external cracks are
greatly reduced
 It affects the strength of the timber.
 This method is also known as Salt Seasoning
Seasoning of Timber: Methods: Artificial Seasoning

2. Kiln Seasoning

 In this method timber is subjected to hot air in air tight

chambers or ovens.
 The hot air circulates in between the timber logs and
reduces the moisture content.
 The temperature inside the chamber is raised to 400C with
the help of heating coils.
 When the required temperature is obtained moisture
content and relative humidity gets reduced and timber gets
seasoned.
 Even though it is costly process it will give good results
strength wise.
Seasoning of Timber: Methods: Artificial Seasoning

Stationary Kiln and Progressive Kiln

 Stationary kiln: consists of only one compartment

 Close control on humidity and temperature
 Progressive kiln: individual timber logs or stacks of
timber to be seasoned are made to move from one end
of the kiln to the other
 Have various zones of temp and humidity
 Adopted only when seasoning has to be done on a very
large scale
 If proper control is not maintained, desired level of
seasoning may not be obtained
Seasoning of Timber: Methods: Artificial Seasoning

4. Electrical Seasoning

 In the method, timber is subjected to high frequency

alternating currents.
 Most quick method

 The resistance of timber against electricity is measured

at every interval of time.

 When the required resistance is reached, seasoning

process is stopped because resistance of timber increases
by reducing moisture content in it.

 It is also called as rapid seasoning

 This method is not commercially adopted as it is very

costly
Seasoning of Timber: Methods: Artificial Seasoning

Advantages:

 Rate of drying of timber can be regulated

 No chance of attack by fungi or insects

 Takes very short time

 Desired moisture content may be attained during seasonings

 Better control on air, temperature and humidity

 Seasoning of surface is more uniform

 No splitting of the logs at the ends

 More suitable for painting etc.

Seasoning of Timber: Decay or Disease of Timber

 Timber decay (rot) is caused by a biological attack within the wood by

certain species of fungi.
 The fungus can lie dormant in the timber for years until the right conditions
present themselves.
 The conditions needed are oxygen, moisture and nutrients, with moisture
being the critical component.
 If moisture is not present in timber, then the fungi will remain dormant, even
when oxygen and the nutrients they require are abundant.
The main causes of timber decay are:
 Alternate dry and wet conditions
 Defective seasoning of the timber
 Fungi which is responsible for developing diseases in timber such as various
type of stains(light colored spot) and rots
 Insects such as marine bores, beetles, termites etc.
 Lack of ventilation
 Dark and damp conditions
Seasoning of Timber: Decay or Disease of Timber

 During rot, disintegration of timber takes place and gases like

hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide are generated
 Timber rot may be classified as:
1. Dry Rot
2. Wet Rot

1. Dry Rot
 Dry rot is caused by a certain type of fungi that eats wood for
their living.
 They make food by converting timber into dry powder form.
 This occurs mainly when there is no ventilation of air or if the
wood improperly seasoned.
 Absence of sunlight, dampness, presence of sap will increase
the growth of dry rot, causing fungi.

 Prevention: by using well-seasoned wood and also by cutting the affected portion and painting the
remaining timber surface with copper sulfate solution
Seasoning of Timber: Decay or Disease of Timber

2. Wet Rot
 Caused by the decomposition of the timber caused by moisture
 Convert it into a grayish-brown powder form.
 Is not caused by fungal attack
 Wet rot causing fungi growths mainly when there are alternate
dry and wet conditions of timber.

 Prevention: using well seasoned timber in exposed or

under ground conditions
 Exposed timber if covered with tar or paint, also helps
preserve timber against moisture
Seasoning of Timber: Decay or Disease of Timber

Attack of insects
1. Beetles (Borer beetles)
 They make pin holes and tunnels in the timber without
affecting the outer shell or cover
 Attack sap wood and decays at a very fast rate

2. Marine borers
 Generally found in hot salty sea waters
 Do not eat wood, but make holes and tunnels in timber for
taking shelter
 2cm dia and 5-8cm depth
Seasoning of Timber: Decay or Disease of Timber

Attack of insects
3. Termites or white ant
 Are found in very large amount in tropical and sub-tropical
countries
 Do not disturb the outer cover of timber but develop tunnels
inside in different directions
 Timbers may fail without any pre-warning
 Form colonies in the wood >> eat away the timber
 Soft timbers is easily affected
 Hard timbers contain chemicals in their composition; the smell
of which prevents attack of termites
Preservation of Timber

Objective
 To protect the timber structure from attacks of fungi and insects
 To prolong the life and durability of timber structures

Requirements/Properties of a good Preservative

 It should be effortlessly and cheaply available.
 It should not contain any harmful substances, gases etc.
 It should cover larger area with small quantity. Hence, it should be economical.
 Decorative treatment or any surface treatment should be allowed on timber after
the application of preservative.
 Strength of timber should not be affected by the preservative.
 It should not contain any unpleasant smell.
 It should not get affected by light, heat, water etc.
 It should not get affected by fungi, insects etc. and should also efficient to kill
them.
 It should not generate flame when contacts with fire.
 It should not corrode metals when it makes a contact with them.
 The depth of penetration of preservative in wood fibers should be minimum
6mm to 25mm.
Preservation of Timber: Methods

1. Charring
2. Tarring
3. Painting
4. Creosoting
5. Wolman’s Salt
6. Ascu-treatment
7. Vaccum-Pressure Process
8. Hot and cold Process
9. Seasoning of the timber
Preservation of Timber: 1. Charring

 Charring is nothing but burning of timber

surface, which is quite an old method of
preservation of timber.
 In this method, the timber surface is wetted for 30
minutes and burnt up to a depth of 15mm from
top surface.
 The burnt surface protects the inner timber from
white ants, fungi, etc.
 This method is not suitable for exterior wood
works
 So, it is applied for wood fencing poles,
telephone pole bottoms etc.
Preservation of Timber: 2. Tarring

 Coal tar is heated and obtained liquid hot tar is

applied on timber surface using brush.
 Coal tar contains unpleasant smell and does not
allow paint on it.
 Embedded on ends of the posts or surfaces of
timber coming directly in contact with lime
concrete and masonry
 Ex: door frames, window frames etc.
 It is very cheap and has good fire resistance.
Preservation of Timber: 3. Painting

 Solignum paints are applied in hot condition

using brush.
 They are well suitable for preserving timber from
white ants.
 Solignum paints can be used by adding color
pigments so, the timber has good appearance.
Preservation of Timber: 4. Creosoting

 Creosote oil is prepared by the distillation of tar.

 It is black or brown in color.
 It contains unpleasant smell.
 It is applied in a special manner.

 Firstly, the timber is well seasoned and dried. Then, it is

placed in airtight chamber and inside air is pumped out.
Finally creosote oil is pumped into the chamber with high
pressure about 0.7 to 1 N/mm2 at a temperature of 50oC.

 After allowing it for 2 hours, the timber absorbs creosote oil

sufficiently and taken out from the chamber.

 Creosote oil is flammable so, it is not used for timber works in

fireplaces. It is generally used for wood piles, poles, railway
sleepers etc.
Preservation of Timber: 5. Wolman’s Salts

 Mixture of creosote oil and sodium fluoried is known as Wolman’s Salt

 It is soluble in water
 Does not contain any sulphur and does not leave any stains on treated timber
 Eliminates certain types of fungi
 Can be immediately painted or varnished after using it

Chemical Salts
 Chemical salts like copper sulphate, mercury chloride and zinc chloride are used as preservative
which can be dissolved in water to get liquid solution.
 They are odorless and do not generate flames when contact with fire.
Preservation of Timber: 6. Ascu-treatment

 ASCU is a special preservative which is available in powder form. It is dissolved in water to

get preservative solution.
 It should be added 6 parts by weight of ASCU in 100 parts by weight of water. The final
solution is applied on timber by spraying.
 This solution does not contain any odor.
 It is useful mainly to get rid of from white ants
 ASCU contains
hydrated Arsenic Pentoxide(As2O52H2O) 1 part

Copper sulphate or Blue vitriol(CuSO4.5H2O) 3 parts

Sodium Dichromate or Potassium Dichromate(K2Cr2O7.2H2O) 4 parts

 After applying ASCU, the timber can be coated with paint, varnished etc.
Preservation of Timber: 7. Vaccum-Pressure Precess

 Considered one of the best preservative treatment

 Adopted when maximum absorption of the preservative is to be achieved

1. Bethel or full cell process

2. Empty cell or Reupping Process
Preservation of Timber: 7. Vaccum-Pressure Precess: Bethel or Full Cell
Preservation of Timber: 7. Vaccum-Pressure Precess: Bethel or full cell

 The timber is placed in a large steel cylinder acting as a pressure vessel.

 Vacuum is created and maintained for about one hour or more.
 After this, coal tar, creosote oil or any other suitable preservative, preheated to a required temperature, is
forced into the cylinder under sufficient pressure (3.5-12.5 kg/cm2).
 Continued till the required quantity of preservative has been introduced into the timber.
 Thereafter, the pressure is reduced, and after giving some vacuum, timber is taken out.
Preservation of Timber: 7. Vaccum-Pressure Precess: Empty Cell/ Reupping

 In the empty cell method, no vacuum is created in the beginning.

 Preservative is stacked in a closed strong cylinder and subject to an air pressure of 1.75-5.0 kg/cm2
depending upon sap content
 Now, preservation solution is introduced
 Pressure is now maintained 5.0-12.5 kg/cm2
 It is lastly released
 Considerable amount of preservative is expelled out from cells of timber
 Comparatively cheaper than Bethel’s process
 Advantage: ensure a proper and deeper penetration of preservative into the timber in a controlled manner
 Even those timbers which may not absorb preservatives in the open-tank process can be filled with
preservatives by this method.
 Disadvantage: yet costly processes and requires skilled operators for better results.
Preservation of Timber: 8. Hot and Cold Process

 In this method, the timber is placed in an open tank which

contains preservative solution, usually creosote.
 Stack is completely submerged
 This solution is then heated for few hours at 85 to 95 degree
Celsius.
 Then, the solution is allowed to cool and timber gets submerged
with this gradual cooling.
 During heating, air in timber cells expands and gets expelled
 While cooling, the residual air in cells contracts and causes
partial vacuum which causes the preservative to be sucked in
to the timber
 This type of treatment is generally done for sap wood.
Preservation of Timber: 9. Seasoning of Timber

 Proper seasoning of the timber is the best preservative

 If not properly seasoned, no preservative will be able to protect the

timber from attacks of certain insects or fungi

 Improperly seasoned timber confines the moisture even if covered

with some paint preservative >> Decay
 Have a good day