Material Strength Evaluation of Piptadenistrum Africanum for Structural Design
Abstract
Deforestation has necessitated search and evaluation of other lesser known timber material to meet the increasing demand of bio
material for it utilization in the construction industry; the present studies focuses on physio-mechanical properties of
Piptadenistrum africanum wood species for its use in civil construction. Material properties were evaluated based on two reference moisture content of 20% -12%. 20% (above the fibre Saturation point) 12% (equilibrium moisture point); results obtained were statistically analysed according to the t-test at the 5% level of significance. The physical and mechanical properties from the study indicate favourable properties with known timber material (Gmelina); for construction of timber structure as structural members.