Timber

Question 1

Factors affecting the strength of timber

Answer 1

Moisture content:Moisture causes the timber to swell and weaken its fibres ,thus it causes timber to be weak and less stiff

Grain orientation: The orientation of wood grain plays a crucial role in its strength.Timber exhibits greater strength along the direction of the grain,longitudinal direction. Lower strength along latitudinal direction where is flat .

Defects: knots,insects can cause area of cracking and decreasing due to insects , thus it weakens the strength of the timber

Duration of the load: Cyclic load over a long period on timber can lead to deformation which comprises its strength.

Question 2

Diferences between sapwood and heartwood

Answer 2

Sapwood is the outer living lartofthe tree trunk responsible for transportation of water and nutrients. Heartwoord, is inner ,non living part of the tree trunk that provides structural supoort

Sapwood
Lighter in colour
Higher moisture content
Lower strength in green state
Less durable,insect attack and high durability when treated

Heartwood
Darker in colour
Less moiture content
Higher strength
Higher durability
Potentially less durable

Question 3

Durability of timber

Answer 3

Property drying and moisture content regulation using chemical treatment are essential to enhance the durability of timber

Timber can be treated with preservatives to enhance its durability

Grain-orientation: The grain orientation of timber can impact its durability. Wood with vertical grain orientation is generally durable compared to flat-sawn timber . Due to its ability to shed water or resist moisture penetration