Yusuf Bala @balarex

TIMBER AS ONE OF THE KEY MATERIAL IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Timber is one of the most valuable material in construction industry. Is an alternative to traditional materials like concrete and steel. Also studies have shown that Timber have a positive impact in sustainable forest management on a regional and global level.
The use of timber has enormous benefits to the construction industry. And is seen as a very important future primal material in construction because of its many properties and advantages to construction. Timber is a renewable construction material that is available worldwide and has a lower carbon footprint than materials that require a lot of fossil fuel energy to produce. It is also cost-effective and requires less time for assembly than traditional methods.
One of the main advantages of timber is its sustainability. Wood is the only renewable construction material, available right now in every part of the world. It is an eco-friendly material that lowers the percentage of CO2 emission in the atmosphere. Materials which require a large amount of fossil fuel energy to be produced can be replaced with processed wood. Sustainability of ‘the green building solution’ is one of the crucial advantages of mass timber.
Timber is also cost-effective and requires less time for assembly than traditional construction methods. While the machinery used to process timber may be more expensive than that used for concrete, the overall cost of constructing a building with timber is often more economical. Additionally, the use of prefabricated timber components can speed up the construction process, as they can be easily transported to the building site and assembled quickly.
Timber as a structural material
The use of timber as a structural material is not new, it predates the use of concrete and steel as structural members since the early years of man. Timber is used as structural material because of its properties example strength, durability, hardness, toughnes, thermal conductivity, appearance, etc.
Timber can also be used to construct a building, in Europe buildings are also constructed using woods example cabins,etc.

TIMBER TEST
Various test can be carryout on timber to determine its quality. Timber can be tested in the following ways:
Compressive Strength Test
The timber specimen 50*50*200 mm is used with grains generally perpendicular to the direction of the application of load. A load of 2.5 kN is initially applied to set the specimen. Deformation under compression is then measured over a central guage length of 150 mm.
The final reading at maximum load is taken. Compressive strength of good timber at 15% moisture content is 30 to 80 MPa.
TENSION TEST
The test specimen with cross section 7* 7 mm is used for this test, with the grains along the length of the specimen. The specimen is gripped in UTM and the load is applied at constant rate of 2.5 mm per minute till maximum load is applied.
The tensile strength of the specimen is the ratio of maximum load to the cross sectional area of the specimen. The tensile strength of timber parallel to the fibres is of the order of 80 to 190 MPa.
Specific Gravity Test
The timber specimen of 50*50*150 mm is taken and its weight is measured. The specific gravity of the timber is testing of timber
Where,
W = weight of the specimen, V = volume of the specimen, M = moisture content.
The specific gravity of good timber should be approximately 1.54.
Bending Test
A test specimen in the form of a beam of 50*50*100 mm is used for this test with the grains parallel to the length of the specimen. Two point loads are applied at middle third points. The load is applied at a constant rate of 3 mm per minute till crack in tension zone is seen.
The bending strength of the specimen is calculated based on simple bending equation. Bending strength of various timbers varies from 40 to 100 MPa.
Volumetric Shrinkage Test
The specimen is weighted initially and the volume is determined. The specimen is kept in an oven at 130 ± 2°C until approximately constant weight is reached. Volumetric shrinkage of the timber = (Vi-Vf) / Vi. Moisture content in percentage = (Wi-Wf)/ Wi. Oven dry specific gravity, G =( Wf/Vf ). Where V and W are initial volume and weights respectively and Vf and Wf are final volume and weights respectively.

TIMBER SEASONING
Is the process of drying timber or removing moisture of sap present in a freshly felled timbers under more or less controlled conditions is called as ‘Seasoning of Timber’. A well-seasoned piece of wood should have 10% to 12% of moisture equal to atmospheric humidity of a place.

Objectives of timber seasoning
The main objective is minimize shrinkage, warping and splitting.
To increase strength, durability and electrical resisting power.
And to protect it from the attacks of insects and fungus.
Methods for Timber seasoning

Natural Seasoning:
Timber pieces can either be stacked horizontally or vertically and the seasoning is carved out by natural air. Moisture content of wood can be brought down to about 10 – 20% by natural seasoning. Time required for natural seasoning of timber is around 120 to 180 days.

Artificial Seasoning:
Boiling:
In this method, the Timber is immersed in boiling water or exposed to the action of steam. This method is a quick process of seasoning the timber. The timber seasoned by this method becomes brittle and easy to break.

Chemical Seasoning:
An aqueous solution of chemical salts like common salt or urea have low pressure. If the outer layers of timber are treated with such chemicals the vapour pressure will reduce and a vapour pressure gradient is created.
The interior of timber, containing no salts, retains its original vapour pressure and therefore tends to dry rapidly. Corrosive effect of common salt is a drawback of this method.
Electrical Seasoning:
The logs of wood are placed in such a way that their two ends touch the electrodes. Electricity is passed through this setup. Wood being a bad conductor of electricity resists the flow of electricity. In this process heat is generated which results in drying of timber. The drawback is that the wood may split due to overheating.

Kiln Seasoning:
Is carried out in an air tight chamber under controlled conditions of circulating air, relative humidity and temperature. Desired degree of moisture content in attained. Time required for kiln seasoning is 12-20 days.

Water Seasoning:
The timbers like bamboo are placed in the flowing water. The flow of water takes away the sap wood. After one week the bamboo poles are removed from water and then dried out under shade. Timber loses its elasticity end becomes brittle as it is losing sap wood completely

TIMBER DEFECTS AND PRESERVATION
Defect occurring in timber are grouped into the following five categories :
Defects due to conversion.
Defects due to fungi.
Detects due to insects.
Defects due to natural forces.
Defects due to seasoning.
1. Defects due to Conversion :
a. Chip Mark : Marks or signs placed by chips on the finished surface of timber.
b. Diagonal Grain : Formed due to improper sawing.
c. Torn Grain : Small depression formed due to falling of a tree.
d. Wane : Pressure of original rounded surface on manufactured piece of Lumber.
2. Defects due to Fungi :
Fungi attacks the timber when moisture content is greater than 20% or there is presence of air and warmth in timber. Some of the important defects due to fungi are
a. Dry Rot : Certain types of fungi attack on wood and convert it into dry form.
b) Wet Rot : Certain types of fungi cause chemical decomposition of wood and convert timber into grayish brown powder.
3. Defects due to Insects :The insects responsible for decay of timber are beetles, marine bores, termites.
4. Defects due to Natural Forces:
Important among these are Shakes : These are cracks which partly or completely separate the fibers of wood.
Types of Shakes :
a. Cup Shakes :
Rupture of tissues occur in circular direction.
Separate one annual ring from the other.
Occur due to non-uniform growth or due to excessive bending during a cyclonic weather.

b. Heart Shakes :
heart shakes timber defect
Cracks which extend from pith to sap wood in the direction of medullary rays.
Occur due to shrinkage of interior part of tree.

c. Ring Shakes :

TIMBER GRADING

Timber Grading is the process of segmenting timber’s natural variability into groups of set characteristics. Grading allows customers to define what they would like and timber producers the ability to outline what material they have available.

Characteristics critical for timber grading process

When grading timber material for appearance, there are two sets of criteria that are assessed:

The materials utility – is it fit for purpose?
It’s visual characteristics, these include; size and stability (dimensional regularity), durability (resistance to conditions), moisture content & performance characteristics.

The exact parameters of each of these characteristics are referred to as ‘Grade Definitions’ and, for Hardwoods, are outlined in Australian Standard 2796-2006.

How is timber graded?
There are three types of grading methods:
Visual Grading
Is performed by a trained assessor. This assessor visually inspects each piece of timber as it comes off the line and assigns a grade. This is the most common method of grading, especially when the intention of the piece is to be used for in an appearance application (ie. interior architecture).
Machine Grading
This type of assessment method utilises sensors or testing machines to compare the board against the criteria laid out in the grade definition. While it is quicker and more accurate than visual grading, we see it less common in practice as it is more expensive, and the machines require frequent calibration to ensure accuracy.
Proof Grading
An assessment method that is carried out only after other grading assessment methods have been complete. Mainly used on timber material that Proof Grading
An assessment method that is carried out only after other grading assessment methods have been complete. Mainly used on timber material that is to be used in a structural environment. This process involves testing the material for its strength & stiffness, by applying the loads set out in the grade definitions. If the material withstands these loads, then it passes. If it does not, then the machine is sent back for reprocessing.

FUNCTIONS Of Timber As a material
Timber is a very versatile material that offers so much advantages. It can be applied in manys ways.

As a fuel source. It is a very vital source of heat. Its uses to provide energy for cooking, to heat homes, and heat for domestic uses.
As a construction material. Timber can be use to provide different construction materials used in building and home construction. They also form a very important element of the building e.g floors, walls, supports, roofs and many other components of the building.
As furniture. Timber is also very valued for their natural grain beauty pattern and density. They are the primary choice source for cabinets and furnitures. These woods are more durable, heavier and also grows more slower. They're also very expensive
For other uses. They're use for textile creation, paints, gum and resins.

SAPWOOD
Is the outermost part of a tree trunk or branch. It is the most lighter in colour than the rest. It made up of living cells that transport water and nutrients between inner tissues and outer bark. Its regulates water losses through evaporation and also offers protection over insects and other pests.
The sapwood is named course for its silky appearance when it dries out. This makes it difficult to remove without damaging the timber.

HEARTWOOD
This is the darker coloured wood in the centre of any tree trunk. It is made up of dead cells. That is to say is not affected by water and doesn't float during transportation. Heartwood is often used for construction and furniture because it is light and also very strong.

SOFTWOOD
Softwood has higher density than hardwood. It's used in construction, in not of high strength. Softwoods are made from conifers-pine, for trees and spruce.

HARDWOOD
Hardwood are the most densest and strongest of all woods. Their strength makes them ideal for furniture, cabinetry and flooring construction. Its species include birch, ash, oak and maple.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF TIMBER BASED ON WOOD

Baboon
Mahogany
Cedar
Oak
Walnut
Fir
Cherry
Brich
Pine
Plywood
Cane
Sycamore and many more.

WHAT IS TIMBER

Timber is a term that refers to either unfelled trees or trees that have been harvested which retain their bark or other characteristics for aesthetic purposes. In most parts of the world Timber is also known as Lumber.
Timber or Lumber is nothing but wood used for building, domestic and other engineering purposes. It is obtained from the trunk of trees. Trees give different types of timber which can be used for different kinds of works.

TYPES OF TIMBER

Timber is a term used to describe the softwood and hardwood trees that are cut and milled into lumber. Different classification of types of timber can be done in various ways based on the type of wood used or hardness of the timber. Timber can be classified into four different types.
Sapwood
Heartwood
Softwood
Hardwood

The Land Use Act, as integrated within the Nigerian Constitution, applies to individuals less than 22 years old in Nigeria. While it grants certain rights and legal capacity to individuals of this age group regarding land transactions, it also entails particular restrictions and requirements, such as obtaining the consent of the Governor for certain dispositions of land. It is crucial for individuals in this age range to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Act and seek legal guidance when engaging in land-related activities to ensure compliance and protect their rights.