The effect of wood microstructure on the mechanical properties of some selected tropical hardwood species used in construction

This work aims to research the effect of wood microstructures on the mechanical properties of some commonly used tropical hardwood in the construction industry. Five kinds of wood were selected, which included: African Mahogany (Afzelia africana), West African Albizia (Albizia zygia), African Birch (Anogeissus leiocarpus), Beech Wood (Gmelina arborea), Salt and Oil (Cleistopholis patens). None of these woods was listed among the tropical hardwoods in BS 5268, hence the need to study these species. Both the mechanical (Compressive, Tensile, Static bending and Brinell hardness) and physical (Moisture content and density) properties were determined, while Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was used to study the wood microstructures. The microstructural analysis revealed that the size and bonds between the vessels and lignin of the individual wood contributed to the variation in mechanical properties.