Mechanical and physical properties of plantation grown timber in Zambia.
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Date
2004-07-18
Authors
Mulenga, Micheal
Lusambo, Edward
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
Zambia is endowed with thousands of square kilometers of land on which both plantation grown and
indigenous species of timber flourish. The Zambian standard on structural use of locally grown timber. ZS
032,gives physical and mechanical properties for several indigenous species but only two plantation grown
species, namely Eucalyptus Grandis (blue gum) and Pinus Kesiya. In view of the economic potential of
plantation grown timbers. such as controlled growth and development of plantations and processing plants.
country-wide, it is necessary to enhance the utilization of these species for structural, carpentry and other
purposes. Greater structural usage. however, can only be reali=ed after determination and dissemination of
the physical and mechanical properties.
This paper presents test results for physical and mechanical properties of four plantation grown timbers,
Eucalyptus Grandis, Eucalyptus Cloesina, Pinus Kesiya, and Pinus Oorcapa, grown by Copper belt Forestry
Company The tests were carried out at the Civil and Environmental Engineering laboratories of the University
of Zambia. The physical and mechanical properties determined for Eucalyptus Grandis and Pinus Kesiya,
exceed those specified in ZS 032 (1986, when the totalfa ctors of safety are applied. The physical and
mechanical properties determined in this study for Eucalyptus Cloesina and Pinus Oorcapa are reasonable
estimates. in the absence of code values.
Keywords: softwood, hardwood, clear specimens, plantation grown, indigenous species, radial, tangential,
perpendicular and parallel to grain.
Description
Keywords
Timber--Plantation