Chapter 3.

Testing of Timber Materials

3.1 Theory of the Tests

Testing timber materials is vital for ensuring their safety, durability, and performance
in various applications, including construction. A timber testing program aims to
determine physical and mechanical properties, evaluate durability and resistance to
decay, rot, insect attacks, and weathering, and verify quality and consistency. It also
ensures compliance with standards and regulations like those established by the
International Code Council (ICC) and American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM). Moreover, testing supports research and development to enhance timber
products and processing methods for improved performance, sustainability, and
environmental impact. Ultimately, testing helps identify causes of timber failures,
informing manufacturing processes, design, and installation practices, and facilitating
certification of products meeting specific standards. Now for the selection of timber
we will use the local material of timber which is available in Quetta city

3.1.1 Instruments

3.1.1.1 UTM (Universal Testing Machine)

A Universal Testing Machine (UTM) evaluates mechanical characteristics of
materials such as wood via different tests. Components like a load frame, cross head,
load cell, grips, and a controller are involved to ensure thorough analysis. The UTM
records information on stress-strain graphs, tensile strength, and elasticity, essential
for assessing material appropriateness and meeting safety standards in the wood
sector. The testing machine is a hydraulically operated with 400kN maximum force.
Trapezium software is used to get the results (stress strain graph) of the tests.

3.1.1.2 Compressive Testing Machine

A Compressive Testing Machine assesses material strength under compression forces.
It comprises a load frame, platens, actuator, load cell, and controller. The device tests
wood by exerting force until failure, offering crucial data for construction purposes.

3.1.1.3 Oven
A drying oven machine, also called an oven dry machine, plays a vital role in
conducting moisture content and dry density tests on timber. It functions by heating
timber samples to a set temperature to eliminate moisture until a consistent weight is
achieved. This equipment guarantees meticulous regulation of temperature and drying
parameters, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of test outcomes.
Figure 3.1 : Universal Testing Machine
Figure 3.2: Compressive Testing Machine
3.2 Testing Methods

There are several tests now we have performed the few important test by which we
will find out the local available material strength and its mechanical and physical
properties.

3.2.1 Moisture Content Test (ASTM D-143)

The moisture content test calculates the moisture in timber as a percentage of the dry
weight. It entails weighing a specimen, oven-drying it at a constant temperature until
a stable weight is achieved, and then reweighing it. The weight variation reveals the
moisture content, essential for the mechanical characteristics and dimensional stability
of the timber. Different timber samples like tension, compression, bending, and shear
will experience a 24-hour oven-dry test at around 103°C, following the ASTM
standards. This is a prerequisite before conducting further tests on the samples.
Table 3.1 Result of the Moisture Content of Timber Materials
Moisture
Initial Final
Sampl Content Averag
Test Type Weight Weight
e Reductio e
(g) (g)
n (%)
Shear A 115 102 11.3

Shear B 118 100 15.3 14.03%

Shear C 116 98 15.5

Compression
A 375 304 18.9
(Parallel)
Compression
B 355 285 19.4 18.27%
(Parallel)
Compression
C 340 284 16.5
(Parallel)
Compression
(Perpendicular A 270 228 15.6
)
Compression
(Perpendicular B 252 208 17.1 16.47%
)
Compression
(Perpendicular C 240 200 16.7
)
Tension
A 100 90 10
(Parallel)
Tension
B 96 88 8.3 9.37%
(Parallel)
Tension
C 102 92 9.8
(Parallel)

Bending Test A 1385 1238 10.5

Bending Test B 1325 1172 11.5 11.37%

Bending Test C 1238 1090 12.1

3.2.2 Dry Density Test (ASTM D-143)
The dry density test determines the mass per unit volume of wood when completely
dry. It involves measuring the specimen's dimensions to compute its volume and then
weighing the oven-dried specimen. Dry density is obtained by dividing the dry weight
by the volume. This characteristic is crucial for evaluating the strength, stiffness, and
general quality of wood.

Table 3.2 Results of the Dry Density of Timber Materials

Dry
Sampl Mass Volume
Test Type Density Average
e (kg) (m3)
(kg/m3)
Shear A 0.115 0.000164 701.22

Shear B 0.118 0.000164 719.51 709.35

Shear C 0.116 0.000164 707.32

Compression
A 0.375 0.000524 715.65
(Parallel)
Compression
B 0.355 0.000524 677.48 680.66
(Parallel)
Compression
C 0.340 0.000524 648.85
(Parallel)
Compression
(Perpendicula A 0.270 0.000393 687.02
r)
Compression
(Perpendicula B 0.252 0.000393 641.22 646.31
r)
Compression
(Perpendicula C 0.240 0.000393 610.69
r)
Tension
A 0.100 0.000442 226.24
(Parallel)
Tension
B 0.096 0.000442 217.19 224.73
(Parallel)
Tension
C 0.102 0.000442 230.77
(Parallel)

Bending Test A 1.385 0.001966 704.48 669.38

Bending Test B 1.325 0.001966 673.96

Bending Test C 1.238 0.001966 629.70

Table 3.3 Relationship Between Dry density & Moisture Content
Dry Density kg/m3 Moisture Content %
709.35 14.03
680.66 18.27
646.31 16.47
224.73 9.37
669.38 11.37

Figure 3.3 Result of Dry Density & Moisture Content Of Timber

3.2.3 Shear Test
The shear test evaluates how well timber can withstand shearing forces that cause
material layers to slide. A timber sample is subjected to shearing force using a UTM
or specialized machine to determine the maximum shear force it can withstand and its
essential shear strength for situations with parallel grain forces.

3.2.3.1 Shear Testing of Specimen

Shear testing per ASTM D143 assesses the shear strength of small clear timber
specimens. It gauges the wood's resistance to shearing forces that could lead to
internal layers sliding past one another. This data is crucial for scenarios where timber
might face shear forces, like in beams, joists, and other structural elements.
Specimens must align with the dimensions outlined in ASTM D143. For tests on
shear parallel to grain, the suggested dimensions usually include a cross-section of 50
mm × 50 mm (2 in × 2 in) and a length of 64 mm (2.5 in).
Here we take three samples of the direct shear test and performed the experiment on
UTM Instrument.

Fig 3.4 height of shear sample Fig 3.5 width of shear sample
 Fig 3.6 top view thickness Fig 3.7 cut section thickness

Fig 3.8 after the specimen has been tested

3.2.4 Tensile Strength Test

The tensile strength test reveals the highest load a timber sample can withstand before
failing. In this test, a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) grips the specimen at each
end and applies a uniaxial tensile force. The load is increased incrementally as the
machine measures both the force and elongation until the specimen breaks. Results
from this test provide essential data including ultimate tensile strength, yield strength,
and elongation at fracture, crucial for scenarios involving tensile stresses on timber.

3.2.4.1 Tensile testing of Specimen

Tensile testing of timber per ASTM D143 entails determining tensile strength and
elongation properties of small clear specimens. A specimen, typically 25 mm x 25
mm in cross-section and 410 mm long, is tested in a Universal Testing Machine
(UTM). Gripped at both ends, it undergoes uniaxial tensile force at a constant rate
until failure. The maximum load at failure and corresponding elongation are noted.
Tensile strength is computed by dividing the maximum load by the specimen's cross-
sectional area. This test yields crucial data on timber's ultimate tensile strength, yield
strength, and elongation at break, vital for situations involving tensile forces on
timber. Adherence to ASTM D143 guarantees consistent, reliable results, aiding in
accurately assessing timber's mechanical properties.

3.2.5 Compressive Strength Test

The compressive strength test evaluates the timber's ability to resist compressive
forces. A timber sample is positioned between the platens of a compression testing
device and compressed until it fails. The evaluation determines the maximum
compressive load the timber can endure and its deformation properties under load.
This data is essential for scenarios involving timber used as columns, posts, or other
structural elements under load.

3.2.5.1 Compressive Testing Of The Specimen

Compression testing of timber as per ASTM D143 entails determining compressive
strength and deformation properties of small clear specimens. Typically, samples are
50 mm by 50 mm in cross-section and 200 mm in length for compression parallel to
the grain, or 50 mm by 50 mm by 150 mm for compression perpendicular to the grain.
The specimen is then positioned between the platens of a compression testing
machine, ensuring that the load aligns with the grain. The machine applies uni axial
compression at a steady rate of 0.01 to 0.02 inches per minute until failure occurs. The
maximum load at failure is recorded, and compressive strength is computed by
dividing this load by the specimen's cross-sectional area. This test yields crucial data
on timber's ultimate compressive strength and deformation characteristics, vital for
assessing its performance in load-bearing scenarios. Adhering to ASTM D143
guarantees the precision and dependability of compressive strength measurements.

3.2.6 Flexure (Bending) Test

The flexural test, or bending test, evaluates the flexural strength and stiffness of
timber. A timber beam is supported at both ends, and a load is placed at the center or
equidistant from the supports. This test gauges the load and deflection of the beam
until it fails. The outcomes yield crucial data on the modulus of rupture and elasticity
essential for designing beams, joists, and other structural components.
3.2.6.1 Flexure Testing Of The Specimen
In timber bending tests, ASTM D143 determines rupture modulus and elasticity.
Samples measure 25 mm x 25 mm x 410 mm, supported over a 360 mm span. Load is
applied until fracture, noting max load and deflection. Rupture modulus = 3PL /
2bd^2. Elasticity is determined from the load-deflection curve slope. Insights into
timber's strength aid beam design. ASTM D143 ensures reliable results for evaluating
bending characteristics.
3.3 Sample Preparation

- Description of the timber samples used (e.g. species, size, moisture content)
- Preparation procedures (e.g. cutting, machining, conditioning)

3.4 Testing Procedures

- Step-by-step description of the testing procedures

- Equipment and instrumentation used

3.5 Results

- Presentation of the test results (tables, figures, graphs)

- Comparison with existing literature and standards

3.6 Discussion

- Interpretation of the results and implications for timber material use

- Limitations and potential sources of error

Note: This chapter would likely include tables, figures, and graphs to present the test
results, as well as references to relevant literature and standards.