Effect of Air-Drying of Brachystegia Laurentii Wood on Some of its Mechanical Properties

Abstract

The traditional and most cost-effective method of seasoning timber is
to stalk it in air and let atmospheric heat and natural air movement
remove moisture from it. This paper investigates the effect of airdrying on the mechanical properties of Brachystegia Laurentii
(popularly referred to as Eku wood). Over 300 samples of
Brachystegia Laurentii were air-dried between one to six months and
the mechanical properties of the air-dried samples were compared
with their moisture contents. Physical properties i.e., density as well
as mechanical properties i.e., modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus
of rupture (MOR), compressive strength and tensile strength were
studied. It was observed that mechanical properties were a function
of the moisture content of these woods. A polynomial function using
least square approach was developed to predict strength from
moisture content. This function is expected to serve as a tool for
predicting the obtained strength of Brachystegia Laurentii wood
during various stages of seasoning. The relationship established can
also be used for preliminary strength predictions of Brachystegia
Laurentii wood using portable digital moisture meters.