TIMBER

• Bark ~ the outer layer, corklike and provides

protection to the tree from knocks and other
damage.
• Bast ~ the inner bark, carries enriched sap from
the leaves to the cells where growth takes
place.
• Cambium ~ layer of living cells between the
bast and the sapwood.
• Heartwood ~ mature timber, no longer carries
sap, the heart of the tree, provides the
strength of the tree. Usually a distinctive darker
color than the sapwood.
• Medulla ray ~ food storage cells radiating from
the medulla ~ provides a decorative feature
found in quarter cut timber.
• Pith or medulla ~ the centre of the tree, soft
and pithy especially in the branches.
• Sapwood ~ new growth, carries the raw sap up
to the leaves. Usually lighter in color than the
heartwood, especially in softwoods
Types of Wood
Heavy Hardwood Medium Hardwood Light Hardwood Softwood

Balau/Selangan Batu Kedang Babai Connifer

Red Balau/Selangan Belum/Tulang Bintangor Pine
Batu Merah Kulim Durian Spruce
Belian Mempening Kelumpang Cedar
Bitis Merpauh Melunak Junifer
Chengal
Giam
Kekatong
Keranji
Malagangai
Penaga
Penyau
Resak
Tembusu

(Source: MTIB)
 TIMBER PROPERTIES
Thermal Properties Sound Insulation

Thermal conductivity is low compared with

other structural materials due to its low Generally, is not a good sound proof insulation
density.

Timber membrane structures for roof or walls Possible now due to technology – double
have good inherent thermal insulation values. frame timber stud walls and variety of joists
 TIMBER PROPERTIES
Chemical Resistance Electrical Properties

Highly resistance to attack by most chemicals.

Has high resistance to the passage of electrical
Organic materials and solution of acid and
currents.
neutral salts.
Suitable material for processing or storage
building for chemical or building structures
exposed to highly polluted and humid or salt.
 Advantages

Environmentally friendly material from renewable resources

Good appearance / aesthetic appeal – can be painted, varnished

or stained.

Light weight , easy to handle – suitable for prefabrication

Good sound, thermal and electrical insulation properties

Capacity to withstand shock

 Disadvantages

Subjected to rot – either dry rot or wet rot

Is a combustible material

Due to above, timber is seen as inferior construction

material

Research has shown that timber is durable if proper

treatment and design method followed
 Problems Of Timber In
Construction

Termites Insects
# Most common and serious problem * Powder post
# 2 – drywood termite beetles, wood
wasp, carpenter
- Subterranean termite
bees, etc.
# Signs – timber rotting inside/outside
* Signs - wood
- wood dust/fine wood powder
with pin holes
Weathering exposure to ultraviolet rays and
constant dry/wet will cause surface
deterioration.

Fungi Mechanical failure

 Damp condition 1. Wrong selection of timber
encourage the fungus species
to grow – damaging
wood. 2. Choice of sizes too small
 Normally happen in compared to load
bathrooms, fascia
board, rainwater 3. Natural defects in timber
gutters 4. Timber joints/connections
 Signs – change of have deteriorated or
colour, surface weakened over the years
becomes soft and
smell of fungi.