IMEE G.

LAGBO 21-2CMTA
ASSIGNMENT 7 – MODULE 7

ASSIGNMENT

Assignment #CMT-7: TESTING OF WOOD

1. Explain oven-dry basis moisture content and wet basis moisture content.

Wet basis moisture content (designated MW in the text) is described by the percentage
equivalent of the ratio of the weight of water (WW) to the total weight of the material
(Wt).

Note that wet basis moisture content can range from 0 to 100 percent.

Wet basis moisture is used to describe the water content of agricultural materials and
food products. When the term “moisture content” is used in the food industry it almost
always refers to wet basis moisture content. One important example occurs in the grain
industry where moisture content of whole grains is determined at each point in the
marketing channel where the grain changes ownership.

Dry basis moisture content (designated Md in the text) is described by the percentage
equivalent of the ratio of the weight of water (WW) to the weight of the dry matter (Wd).

Note that dry weight moisture content can range from 0 to very large percentages.
Dry basis moisture is most commonly used for describing moisture changes during
drying. When a sample loses or gains moisture, the change in the dry basis moisture is
linearly related to the weight loss or gain.

The oven-dry test, combined with the prong or stress test, is a very useful tool for the kiln
operator to have at his or her disposal. Often the kiln operator is asked to defend the
accuracy of moisture meter measurements or a customer simply does not believe
moisture meter readings. In other situations, the operator may want to verify meter
readings for his own piece of mind. For situations in which moisture meters will give the
same information more quickly and with little effort, then they are the tools of choice.
However, it is important to always remember that the oven-dry moisture content is what
the meters are trying to estimate.
2. specimen of wood weighs 56.70 g. After oven drying, the mass is 52.30 g. Determine the
moisture content in percent.
Given : A= 56.70 g. Solution: MC, % = (A – B) / B X 100
B = 52.30 g MC, % = (56.70 - 52.30) / 52.30 X 100
= 4.5 / 52.30 X 10
= 8.4
=8 %
Therefore, the moisture content in percent is 8%.

3. What is the span-to-depth ratio of static bending test specimens?

The static bending tests shall be made on 2 by 2 by 30 in. (50 by 50 by 760 mm) primary
method specimens or 1 by 1 by 16 in. (25 by 25 by 410 mm) secondary method
specimens. The actual height and width at the center and the length shall be measured.

4. What is the size of a specimen for compression parallel to grain test?

The compression-parallel-to-grain tests shall be made on 2 by 2 by 8 in. (50 by 50 by 200
mm) primary method specimens, or 1 by 1 by 4 in. (25 by 25 by 100 mm) secondary
method specimens. The actual cross-sectional dimensions and the length shall be
measured.

5. How do we make sure that load is uniformly distributed over the ends of a compression
parallel to grain test specimen?
Special care shall be used in preparing the compression-parallel-to-grain test specimens
to ensure that the end grain surfaces will be parallel to each other and at right angles to
the longitudinal axis. At least one platen of the testing machine shall be equipped with a
spherical bearing to obtain uniform distribution of load over the ends of the specimen.

6. What is the rate of application of load on a compression perpendicular to grain test

specimen?
Load shall be applied continuously throughout the test at a rate of motion of the
movable crosshead of 0.012 in. (0.305 mm)/min.

7. Describe the test specimen for shear parallel to grain.

The specimens are usually in the form of small, clear, straight-grained blocks with a
projecting tenon or lip to be sheared off.Two common forms and sizes are shown in
figure. Part of the blocks is cut so that the shearing surface is parallel to the growth
rings, or tangential; others at right angles to the growth rings, or radial. It is important
that the upper surface of the tenon or lip be sawed exactly parallel to the base of the
block. When the form with a tenon is used the undercut is extended a short distance
horizontally into the block to prevent any compression from below. The standard test
specimen shall be 5 X 5 cm in cross-section and 6 cm in length or 2 X 2 cm in cross-
section and 3 cm in length. The specimens shall be notched on one end to produce
shear failure on 5 X 5 cm or 2 X 2 cm surface in the radial or tangential plane.

8. What is the dimension of the smallest cross section of a tension parallel to grain test
specimen?
2in (50mm)