article · Science Research
Thin-plated glued timbers offer potential as cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to conventional construction materials, but their suitability for structural uses requires clear data. Physical tests on softwood and hardwood species sourced from Edo State, Nigeria, evaluated how gluing affects essential characteristics such as moisture content and density. Solid timber specimens absorbed less moisture overall than glued timber beams. Softwood moisture levels averaged between 11.3% and 12.0%, whereas hardwood levels ranged from 8.2% to 10.2%, placing both within the standard structural threshold set by EN 338. Density tests showed varying effects across timber types. Solid Ceiba pentandra softwood exhibited a higher density than its glued equivalent, whereas Terminalia ivorensis hardwood demonstrated nearly identical densities in both solid and glued formats. These findings help clarify how processing into glued forms alters key physical properties across different timber species.
Using engineered timber in buildings requires reliable evidence that the materials meet structural and safety criteria. Demonstrating that locally sourced Nigerian softwoods and hardwoods comply with international moisture standards provides essential baseline data. Understanding how gluing changes density and moisture retention helps builders select appropriate timber forms for sustainable construction, reducing reliance on conventional building materials.
This research could inform structural timber product manufacturers and construction engineers evaluating thin-plated glued timber for building applications. By confirming that moisture levels meet EN 338 structural standards, the findings support the development of engineered timber components from regional species. The work represents early-stage testing of physical properties, meaning that further mechanical testing and adhesive assessment are necessary before commercial implementation in building projects can occur.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
Thin plated glued timbers (TPT) have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional construction materials due to their cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and structural versatility. Despite promising performance, there's a lack of understanding regarding TPT's suitability for structural applications. This study investigates the moisture content and density of various softwood and hardwood specimens obtained from Edo State, Nigeria, focusing on both solid and glued timber. The primary aim is to provide insights into the structural performance of these materials, guiding their applications in construction projects. Moisture content analysis revealed that solid timber generally absorbs less moisture compared to glued timber beams, with average moisture contents ranging from 11.3% to 12.0% for softwood and 8.2% to 10.2% for hardwood. These values are within the EN 338 standard for structural timber, pegged at 12%. Density measurements indicated that solid Ceiba Pentandra timber (softwood) had a higher average density (508.8 kg/m 3 ) compared to its glued counterpart (378.5 kg/m 3 ), while Terminalia ivorensis timber (hardwood) showed similar densities between solid (701.8 kg/m 3 ) and glued specimens (697.5 kg/m 3 ).
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.11648/j.sr.20261404.25
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
