Mechanical property analysis of Albizia Glaberrima wood using non-destructive and destructive methods

Abstract

The wood of Albizia glaberrima demonstrates favourable attributes for nailing, screwing, and gluing. It exhibits moderate durability and resistance to termites though it is susceptible to specific borers. A comprehensive research initiative was undertaken to increase its suitability for structural purposes. The research encompassed non-destructive and destructive testing methodologies to evaluate mechanical properties, including bending and tension characteristics, while also assessing physical properties such as density and moisture content. The results of this study unveiled that A. glaberrima possesses a relatively light density, averaging at 530 kg/m³. The dynamic elasticity module (E_din) exhibited a range between 10,315 N/mm² and 13,662 N/mm², contingent on the specific non-destructive method employed. Bending strength (f_m) was determined to be 63 N/mm², while tensile strength (f_t,0) measured at 56 N/mm². The local and global values of the elastic modules in bending (E_m,l and E_m,g) were established as 14,487 N/mm² and 10,270 N/mm², respectively, whereas the corresponding value for tension (E_t,0) recorded a value of 14,412 N/mm². These findings substantiate the inherent potential of Albizia glaberrima wood for structural applications.