Mechanical Properties Assessment of Indigenous Timber Wood Species in Southeastern Nigeria

Abstract We examined the mechanical properties of four native wood species in southeastern Nigeria, including Alstonia congensis, Ceiba pentandra, Milicia excelsa, and Terminalia superba. The samples were milled and trimmed to standard sizes and subjected to a three-point bending test. The mechanical properties modulus of rupture (MOR) and compression parallel to grain were tested using the Universal Testing Machine, with machine no: 0500-10080. We computed the force at the point of failure, modulus of elasticity and compression parallel to the grain. Here show that the samples from the selected indigenous timber species had significant variations in the mechanical properties, with the highest MOR being 94.185N/mm2, MOE 3553.098N/mm2 and compressive strength being 54.224N/mm2. The flexural and compression strength of Terminalia superba wood material was significantly higher relative to Milicia excelsa, Alstonia congensis and Ceiba pentandra. Our findings provide valuable information on the mechanical properties of these species sourced from southeastern Nigeria, which can be used to assess their suitability for a variety of applications.