Destructive and non-destructive evaluation of seven hardwoods and analysis of data correlation

Abstract

Abstract Wood physical and mechanical properties in seven tropical hardwood species viz., Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. ex Benth., Artocarpus hirsutus Lamk., Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk., Swietenia macrophylla King, Xylia dolabriformis Benth., Hevea braziliensis (H.B.K.) M. A.), and Tectona grandis L.f. have been studied by means of destructive and non-destructive techniques (NDT). Mechanical strength properties and specific gravity were evaluated by conventional methods. NDT was carried out by a Pilodyn and Treesonic Microsecond Timer (TMT) to measure a steel pin penetration depth into wood and dynamic MOE, respectively. In focus was the question, whether NDT data are suitable predictors for physical and mechanical properties of the indicated hardwood species. Dynamic MOE obtained by TMT correlated strongly positive with all the strength properties studied, except shearing stress. TMT data also correlated very well to static bending MOE and MOR. A linear relationship was found between Pilodyn steel pin penetration depth and oven dry specific gravity in all the species. Both Pilodyn and TMT proved to be useful predictors of timber properties, and these instruments have a high potential for timber grading.