Vol: 1 Issue: 2
MATERIAL STRENGTH EVALUATION OF PIPTADENISTRUM AFRICANUM FOR STRUCTURAL DESIGN
Ita E. O, Atowon, A. D
Abstract
Deforestation has necessitated search and evaluation of other lesser known timber material to meet the increasing demand of bio-material for it utilization in the construction industry; the present studies focuses on physio-mechanical properties of Piptadenistrum africanum wood species for its use in civil construction. Material properties were evaluated based on two reference moisture content of 20% -12%. 20% (above the fibre Saturation point) 12% (equilibrium moisture point); results obtained were statistically analysed according to the t-test at the 5% level of significance. The physical and mechanical properties from the study indicate favourable properties with known timber material (Gmelina); for construction of timber structure as structural members.
Keywords: Stiffness, Axial loading, Moisture content, Stiffness, Strength, Sustainability, Timber construction, Piptadenistrum africanum,