Physical and Mechanical Properties of Some Common Nigerian Timber Species Based on Limit State Design Approach

This paper was aimed at the determination of physical and mechanical properties of some common Nigerian timber species. The timber species considered were Strombosia pustulata, Macrocarpa bequaertii, Nauclea diderrichii and Entandrophragma cyclindricum. The physical properties of the selected timber species including moisture content and density were determined in accordance with EN 13183-1 (2002) and EN 408 (2003). Mechanical properties of the timber species were determined using both four and three point bending tests based on standards such as EN 408 (2003) and ASTM D193 (2000). Characteristic values of the material properties were determined in accordance with EN 384 (2004). Adjustments of the characteristic values of mechanical properties and density of the selected timber species were made to the equivalent moisture content of 18% in order to suit the Nigerian environmental condition (NCP2, 1973). The least values of the mechanical properties obtained from the two above mentioned standards were considered.