Bending and Compression Properties of Malaysian Medium Hardwood in Orthotropic Directions Kelat (Syzygium spp.)

摘要

Wood behaves differently in three independent orthotropic directions,namely radial,tangential and longitudinal.Determination of mechanical properties of wood and the study on the orthotropic behavior could enhance effective utilization of wood as construction material.Kapur and Kelat are two commercial medium hardwoods that are found abundantly in the east-coast of Malaysia.The purpose of the study is to determine the variation of bending and compression strength properties of Kapur and Kelat in three different anatomical directions.Bending and compression tests on small clear specimens were carried out according to BS373:1987.The result shows that Kapur is higher in bending and compression strength compares to Kelat.Bending strength properties for Kapur and Kelat were found to be significantly higher on the radial direction compared to tangential direction.Incompression,the strength properties are higher on the longitudinal directions that are parallel to the grain.This is followed by radial and tangential direction for both Kapur and Kelat.The result also shows that compression strength parallel to the grain for both wood species to be significantly different from those perpendiculars to the grain.