School of Industrial Technology

Academic Session 2013/2014 Semester 1

IWA 282 – Bio-resource Technology

Laboratory 1

Experiment 4: Wood Mechanical Strength

Name: Ng Meei Yee

Matric No: 115573
Group: 6
Lecturer: Prof. Othman Bin Sulaiman
Wood Mechanical Strength

Introduction
Wood is an organic material, a natural composite of cellulose fibers (which are
strong in tension) embedded in a matrix of lignin which resists compression. The
composition of wood is responsible for most of its mechanical properties.

The mechanical properties of wood are its fitness and ability to resist applied
or external forces. By external force is meant any force outside of a given piece of
material tends to deform it in any manner. Wood with greater resistance in applied
forces will have higher strength. Besides, the ability of wood to resist the load applied
is depends on the magnitude and direction of the forces such as compression, tensile
and shear.

There are several ways to measure the wood strength. One of the methods is
measure the maximum stress that the material able to endure before “failure” occurs.
Another method is by measuring the deformation or strain which results from a given
level of stress before the point of total failure.

A stress is a distributed force and may be defined as the mutual action of one
body upon another or of one part of a body upon another part. In the first stress is
external; in the other internal. The same stress may be internal from one point of view
and external from another. An external force is always balanced by the internal
stresses when the body is in equilibrium.

If sufficient external force is applied the natural shape and size will be
changed. This distortion or deformation of the material is known as strain. Every
stress produces a corresponding strain, and within a certain limit, the strain is directly
proportional to the stress producing it. Stress is measured in unit of weight or force. A
unit stress is the stress on a unit of the sectional area.

𝐹
Stress, 𝜎 =
𝐴

where P = load ; A= cross-sectional area

While a unit strain is the unit deformation or movement per unit of original
length. When the stress increases, the strain will increase as well. It is typically
contain no unit.
𝑙
Strain =
𝐿

Where 𝑙 = deformation (change in current length - original length); L= original length

 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠,σ 𝑁
Hooke’s Law = 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛,𝐸 (𝑚2 )

Hooke’s Law is the relationship of stress and strain at proportional limit or

elastic limit.

Modulus of elasticity (MOE) or Young's modulus is the ratio of the stress or

stretching force per unit cross sectional area to the strain or amount of stretching per
unit of length. Within the elastic range below the proportional limit, this ratio is a
constant for a given piece of wood, making it useful in static bending tests for
determining the relative stiffness of a board. The modulus of elasticity is normally
measured in Newton per square meter (N/m²) or pounds per square inch (psi).

Modulus of rupture (MOR) is the maximum load carrying capacity of a

member. It is generally used in tests of bending strength to quantify the stress required
to cause failure.

Elasticity implies that deformations produced by low stress are completely

recoverable after loads are removed. When loaded to higher stress levels, plastic
deformation or failure occurs.

There are three kinds of internal stresses, namely tensile, compressive and
shearing.

Tensile strength
When external forces act upon a bar in a direction away from its ends or a direct pull

This external pull is communicated to the interior, so that any portion of the material
exerts a pull or tensile force upon the remainder, the ability to do so depending upon
the property of cohesion. Tensile strength can be measured either parallel or
perpendicular to grain. Tensile strength parallel to grain normally 50x stronger than
perpendicular to grain. There is not much different between radial or tangential
direction.
Compression strength

Compression strength can be either parallel to grain or perpendicular to grain.

Compression strength parallel to grain normally 15x higher than perpendicular to
grain. Compression strength is half of tensile strength. It is mostly due to failure in
wood cell wall due to shear failure or cleavage in the cell.

Shear strength

Shear strength is the ability to resist internal slipping of one part upon another along
the grain.

Shear strength can be either parallel to grain or perpendicular to grain. Normally it is

occur during wood under bending loading. Perpendicular to grain is 3-4 times higher
than parallel to grain.

Bending strength

Bending strength is the ability of wood to resist the forces that bend the wood.

Wood under bending strength have combination of stresses such as tensile,

compression and shear. Tensile tend to lengthen the sample while compression tend to
shorten the sample. Shear will tend to split the wood. MOE of wood perpendicular to
grain is about 1/50 the value of MOE parallel to grain.
Objective
 To learn about the importance of mechanical properties of wood.
 To determine the MOR and MOE of a wood through the wood strength and
flexibility properties.
 To study the difference of density and moisture content will affect the MOR
and MOE.
 To learn the method of using Instron equipment in order to test the wood
strength.
 To analyse the table and graph obtained from computer analysis.

Materials and Apparatus

 2 wood samples (2 Meranti wood)
 Veneer calliper
 Electrical weighing scale
 Pencil
 Instron machine
 Wood electric saw machine
 Ruler
 Oven

Method
1. 2 Meranti wood samples (air-dried) with dimension 20 x 20 x 300mm are
taken.
2. Each wood samples is labelled clearly to prevent mix with one another.
3. Size of each sample is measured by veneer calliper and ruler. The
measurements are then recorded.
4. The orientation of growth ring is observed to identity the section of wood
samples. The mechanical testing (static bending testing) is done on the same
direction as stress.
5. Loading speed is set to 6.60mm/min.
6. Sample is placed between two beams (support) on instron machine with
280mm.
7. The bending test of wood sample is measured from beginning until the
sample breaks.
8. Load is subjected to the wood samples until maximum load has reached.
9. Repeated wood sample B from step 6 to 8.
10. Data and graph obtained from the computer is saved and printed out.
 11. The edge of both samples are cut into small cube and weighed followed by
measured with veneer calliper to obtain its volume.
12. The piece of samples are then placed in oven for 24 hours.
13. The weight and dimensions is then measured to obtained the moisture content
of wood samples.

Results
Data needed:

 Dimension of the wood samples:

b = the sample’s width in mm
h = depth in mm
L = distance between two supports

From the stress-bending graph:

 P = maximum load
 P’ = load at proportional limit
 Δ’ = bending at middle part when load at proportional limit
 A’ = bounded area of load-bending at proportional limit
 A = bounded area of load-bending at maximum limit
Calculation Formula:

*Fiber stress at proportional limit = 3P’L

2bh²

Fiber stress at maximum limit (Modulus of rupture-MOR): = 3PL

2bh²

Modulus of elasticity (MOE) = P’ L³

4∆’bh³

Parallel shear stress at neutral phase at proportional limit = 3P’

4bh

Parallel shear stress at neutral phase = 3P

4bh

Calculation of wood samples based on graph:

Wood sample A

b (sample width) = 20.05mm

h (sample depth) = 20.58mm

L (beam span) = 300mm

From the graph of Flexure load against the Flexure extension generated by the Instron
machine the following data can be obtained,

P (maximum load) = 1900N

∆’ (flexure extension) ≈ 3.03mm

The value of ∆’ use the sign of approximation for its value because it is obtained from
the graph directly.
P’ is obtained from the MOE by using the formula below, where the MOE value is
known from the computer analyse data.

𝑃′ 𝐿3 𝑃′ × (300𝑚𝑚)3
= = 14499.42𝑁/𝑚𝑚²
4∆′ bh3 4 × 3.03𝑚𝑚 × 20.05𝑚𝑚 × (20.58𝑚𝑚)3

𝑷′ = 𝟏𝟏𝟑𝟕. 𝟒𝟕 𝑵

Fibre stress at proportional limit:

3 𝑃′𝐿 3 × 1137.47 𝑁 × 300 𝑚𝑚

= = 𝟔𝟎. 𝟐𝟖 𝑵/𝒎𝒎²
2𝑏ℎ² 2 × 20.05𝑚𝑚 × (20.58𝑚𝑚)²

Fiber stress at maximum limit (Modulus of rupture-MOR):

3𝑃𝐿 3 × 1900𝑁 × 300𝑚𝑚

= = 𝟏𝟎𝟎. 𝟔𝟗 𝑵/𝒎𝒎²
2𝑏ℎ² 2 × 20.05𝑚𝑚 × (20.58𝑚𝑚)²

Modulus of elasticity (MOE):

𝑃′𝐿³ 1137.47 𝑁 × (300𝑚𝑚)³

= = 𝟏𝟒𝟒𝟗𝟗. 𝟒𝟐 𝑵/𝒎𝒎²
4∆′bh³ 4 × 3.03𝑚𝑚 × 20.05𝑚𝑚 × (20.58𝑚𝑚)³

Parallel shear stress at neutral phase at proportional limit:

3𝑃′ 3 × 1137.47𝑁
= = 𝟐. 𝟎𝟔𝟕 𝑵/𝒎𝒎²
4𝑏ℎ 4 × 20.05𝑚𝑚 × 20.58𝑚𝑚

Parallel shear stress at neutral phase:

3𝑃 3 × 1900𝑁
= = 𝟑. 𝟒𝟓𝟑𝑵/𝒎𝒎²
4𝑏ℎ 4 × 20.05𝑚𝑚 × 20.58𝑚𝑚
Wood sample B

b (sample width) = 19.87mm

h (sample depth) = 20.45mm

L (beam span) = 300mm

From the graph of Flexure load against the Flexure extension generated by the Instron
machine the following data can be obtained,

P (maximum load) = 1744.10 N

∆’ (flexure extension) ≈ 2.40 mm

*The value of ∆’ use the sign of approximation for its value because it is obtained
from the graph directly.

The P’ value is calculated from MOE as the formula below, where the MOE value is
known from the computer analyse data.

𝑃′ 𝐿3 𝑃′ × (300𝑚𝑚)3
= = 14901 𝑁/𝑚𝑚²
4∆′ bh3 4 × 3.60 𝑚𝑚 × 19.87𝑚𝑚 × (20.45𝑚𝑚)3

𝑷′ = 𝟏𝟑𝟓𝟎. 𝟒𝟗 𝑵

Fibre stress at proportional limit:

3 𝑃′𝐿 3 × 1350.49 𝑁 × 300𝑚𝑚

= = 𝟕𝟑. 𝟏𝟑 𝑵/𝒎𝒎²
2𝑏ℎ² 2 × 19.87𝑚𝑚 × (20.45𝑚𝑚)²

Fiber stress at maximum limit (Modulus of rupture-MOR):

3𝑃𝐿 3 × 1744.10𝑁 × 300𝑚𝑚

= = 𝟗𝟒. 𝟒𝟎 𝑵/𝒎𝒎²
2𝑏ℎ² 2 × 19.87𝑚𝑚 × (20.45𝑚𝑚)²
Modulus of elasticity (MOE):

𝑃′𝐿³ 1350.49 𝑁 × (300𝑚𝑚)³

= = 𝟏𝟒𝟗𝟎𝟏. 𝟎 𝑵/𝒎𝒎²
4∆′bh³ 4 × 3.60𝑚𝑚 × 19.87𝑚𝑚 × (20.45𝑚𝑚)³

Parallel shear stress at neutral phase at proportional limit:

3𝑃′ 3 × 1350.49 𝑁
= = 𝟐. 𝟒𝟗𝟑 𝑵/𝒎𝒎²
4𝑏ℎ 4 × 19.87𝑚𝑚 × 20.45𝑚𝑚

Parallel shear stress at neutral phase:

3𝑃 3 × 1744.10𝑁
= = 𝟑. 𝟐𝟏𝟗𝑵/𝒎𝒎²
4𝑏ℎ 4 × 19.87𝑚𝑚 × 20.45𝑚𝑚
Moisture content of each sample

Air Dry weight (g) Oven Dry weight (g)

Moisture
Wood samples
content (%)
1 2 3 Average 1 2 3 Average

A 13.8466 13.7950 13.7803 13.7973 12.2748 12.2691 12.2706 12.2715 12.43

B 12.9794 12.9869 12.9863 12.9842 11.6032 11.5968 11.6017 11.6006 11.93

(𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡−𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑛−𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡)

Moisture Content (MC%) = × 100%
𝑂𝑣𝑒𝑛−𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡
Density of each wood sample
𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡,𝑔
Density, 𝜌 = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒,𝑐𝑚³

 Before oven-dry

Volume of Longitudinal Density,

Wood sample A weight, g Width, mm Depth, mm
sample, cm³ , mm g/cm³
1 13.7982 20.75 19.91 20.32 51.28 0.665
2 13.7964 20.77 19.90 20.35 51.29 0.664
3 13.7973 20.74 19.89 20.32 51.32 0.665
Average 13.7973 20.75 19.90 20.33 51.30 0.665

Volume of Longitudinal Density,

Wood sample B weight, g Width, mm Depth, mm
sample, cm³ , mm g/cm³
1 12.9897 20.04 19.80 20.44 49.51 0.648
2 12.9821 20.02 19.82 20.41 49.50 0.648
3 12.9808 19.97 19.78 20.40 49.49 0.650
Average 12.9842 20.01 19.80 20.42 49.50 0.649
 After oven-dry

Volume of Longitudinal, Density,

Wood sample A Weight, g Width, mm Depth, mm
sample, cm³ mm g/cm³
1 12.2748 19.84 19.51 19.88 51.16 0.619
2 12.2691 19.59 19.60 19.74 50.62 0.626
3 12.2706 19.49 19.44 19.87 50.46 0.630
Average 12.2715 19.64 19.52 19.83 50.75 0.625

Volume of Longitudinal Density,

Wood sample B Weight, g Width, mm Depth, mm
sample, cm³ , mm g/cm³
1 11.6032 18.92 19.40 19.77 49.33 0.613
2 11.5968 19.05 19.39 19.90 49.37 0.609
3 11.6017 18.92 19.35 19.82 49.32 0.613
Average 11.6006 18.96 19.38 19.83 49.34 0.612
 Comparison on values of wood sample obtained among group members

MOR MOE Moisture

Sample Wood Species Density (g/cm3)
(N/mm2 ) (N/mm2 ) Content (%)

Meranti 100.69 14499.42 12.43 0.625

Myself
Meranti 94.40 14901.00 11.93 0.612

Meranti 70.59 12745.18 11.99 0.648

2
Meranti 105.50 15840.71 10.34 0.698

Angsana 62.80 5680.30 13.37 0.535

3
Meranti 73.40 6910.80 16.07 0.626

Angsana 71.61 92792.63 11.55 0.550

4
Meranti 108.21 212391.68 12.82 0.620
Discussion

In this experiment, the method used is static bending test. This test can be
done in two method which includes central loading method or three point loading
method. Central loading method is carried out in this experiment by using Instron
machine to test the mechanical strength of wood.

Static bending test is carried out by application of bending stress to identify its
stiffness or modulus of elasticity (MOE) and amount of force required to result
‘failure’ onto the specimen which is known as modulus of rupture (MOR). MOE and
MOR value for each wood species can be observed through this experiment. This is
due to the deviation occurred during the determination of proportional limit point and
maximum limit point.

From the graph, graph of pressure exerted (MPa) against flexure extension
(mm) is obtained. It’s observed that the pressure exerted is directly proportional to
flexure extension. This is fulfils the Hooke’s Law. This point is called proportional
limit. Within the proportional limit, fiber is compressed and stretched without damage
the wood. However, if the pressure exerted exceeds the proportional limit, fracturing
of fibers may happen and these point are called breaking point. Breaking stress of a
material, in principle, is related to the energy required to break internal bonds between
the fiber of wood. It is very important for designer and engineers to know the value of
the breaking stress from the material they use.

Moreover, there may have some uneven line in the curve of the graph after it
passes the point of maximum load due to high elasticity of wood sample. Wood which
has high MOE and MOR are tougher and stronger. MOR and MOE value is static
bending provide maximum work and total work that had done and both of these
values can applied in measuring of wood hardness. Besides, we can also determine
the maximum load (P), load at proportional limit (P’) and bending at middle of wood
during proportional limit (Δ’). However, due to human error, the P’ value we could
only obtain from calculation.

MOE is refers to the toughness of wood to withstand the stress subjected to it

without being compressed. Based on the experiment, MOE value is calculated by
referring from the data obtained from the graph generated by Instron machine. From
my result of this experiment, the wood species taken from sample A and sample B is
Meranti wood with the MOE value 14499.42N/mm2 and 14901.00N/mm2 respectively.
While among my group members, the density of Meranti wood is higher than
Angsana wood and the MOE value obtained for the Meranti wood is higher than the
Angsana wood. This shows that the Meranti wood is stiffer than Angsana wood. This
is because the cell wall will become thicker and cavities will reduce. Besides, the
content of extractive in Meranti wood is higher than Angsanan wood.

MOR is calculated by referring the strength of wood to resist load applied

until it reaches the breaking point. In addition, MOR values only valid in proportional
limit. MOR value of wood is usually between 55-160 N/mm2. The MOR obtained for
sample A and sample B is 100.69 N/mm2 and 94.40 N/mm2.

There are several factors that will affect the strength of wood. One of the
factors is moisture content. The mechanical properties of wood will change when its
moisture content is below fiber saturation point (FSP). The cell wall of wood will
become dry and microfibril will pact closer to each other when its moisture content is
below FSP about 10-15%. This result in increase in strength of wood. Hence, the
higher the moisture content the lower the strength of wood, the lower the MOR.
However, my result obtained from the experiment is different from the theory due to
error occurred while handling the experiment. Meanwhile, the result of my group
members has fulfilled the theory.

Furthermore, mechanical strength will also affected by wood anatomic

structural. Wood that has more growth rings tends to have more latewood content
which consists of more extractive. Besides, grain structure in softwoods has greater
grain angle by few degrees. This may cause reduction in tensile and compression
strength.

In general, the mechanical properties of wood decrease when heated and

increased when cooled. The increasing of temperature by 10C will cause 1% reduction
in the value of strength. This is because of the moisture content. Permanent loss in
mechanical properties may occur if wood is subjected to high temperature over long
periods.

Defection in wood is also one of the factors. Wood is exposed to decay and
insect damage in moist, warm conditions. decay within a structure cannot be tolerated
because the wood strength will reduce rapidly. It has been estimated that 5% weight
loss from decay can result in strength losses as high as 50%.

The duration of load or the time during which a load acts on a wood member
either continuously or intermittently, is an important factor in determining the load
that the member can safely carry. The ability of wood to withstand load is depends on
the time of the load applied the load required to cause failure over a long period of
time is much lesser than the load required causing failure over a very short period of
time. Wood under impact loading can resist nearly twice as great as wood subjected to
long term loading.

Conclusion

In conclusion, according to this experiment, the MOE and MOR values can be
determined from the static bending test. From the data obtained, the MOE of Meranti
wood is higher than Angsana wood, this shows the Meranti wood is stronger than
Angsana wood.

The wood with higher density has a higher wood strength. The density of
sample A is 0.625g/cm3 and MOR is 100.69 N/mm2. The density for sample B is
0.612g/cm3 and MOR is 94.40 N/mm2. This prove that, the wood which has higher
density will have a higher strength. Besides, the high moisture content of wood will
results in low mechanical properties.
 Howerver, the results obtained are not totally accurate, especially the
calculation. This is because of the human error that wrongly key in the data (span
value).

Acknowledgement

First of all, I would like to express my utmost gratitude to Prof. Othman bin
Sulaiman which give us the chance to do this practical and all his guidance which
leads to the completion successfully.

Furthermore, I would like to thank to the supportive team of master students and
laboratory assistants who have assisted us patiently throughout the practical.

Next, I also appreciate my team members that we can cooperate well.

Last but not least, thanks to all who have contributed towards the acheivement in
this practical.

Appendix

-The density of wood is proportional

to the strength of wood.

-The increasing of density results in

higher MOR
Reference

 Prof. .Othman Sulaiman: -IWK102 Notes Basic Bio-resource

Science and Technology
 David W. Green, Jerrold E. Winandy, and David E. Kretschmann:-
Mechanical Properties of wood
 http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/physics/stress-and-strain/revise-
it/stress-strain-graphs

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood