Civil Engineering Materials, Testing & Evaluation - Vol 2 | 30. Classification of Timber by Abraham | Learn Smarter
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30. Classification of Timber

Timber remains a crucial material in civil engineering due to its unique properties and versatility. Understanding timber involves examining its classification, internal structure, and physical and mechanical properties, which are essential for its application in construction. The chapter also covers the seasoning and preservation of timber, along with the engineered wood products that address natural timber's limitations.

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Sections

  • 1

    Classification Of Timber

    Timber is categorized based on various factors, including botanical origin, mode of growth, durability, and use, affecting its applications in construction.

  • 1.1

    Based On Botanical Origin

    This section classifies timber based on its botanical origin, differentiating between hardwoods and softwoods, along with their characteristics and applications.

  • 1.2

    Based On Mode Of Growth

    This section categorizes timber based on its mode of growth and highlights the significance of understanding these classifications in civil engineering.

  • 1.3

    Based On Durability

    This section discusses the classification of timber based on its durability, differentiating it into high durability, moderately durable, and non-durable categories, along with examples.

  • 1.4

    Based On Use

    This section categorizes timber based on its applications in construction, such as structural, carpentry, and industrial uses.

  • 2

    Structure Of Timber

    This section examines the internal structure of timber, detailing its macroscopic and microscopic features along with their implications on timber's mechanical properties and suitability for civil engineering applications.

  • 2.1

    Macroscopic Structure

    The macroscopic structure of timber delineates its essential components, critical for understanding its mechanical properties and suitability in construction.

  • 2.2

    Microscopic Structure

    The microscopic structure of timber consists of four main types of cells that influence its characteristics and mechanical properties.

  • 3

    Properties Of Timber

    The section discusses the various properties of timber that influence its suitability for civil engineering applications.

  • 3.1

    Physical Properties

    The physical properties of timber include its appearance, weight, moisture content, shrinkage and swelling, as well as odor and taste, which collectively influence its applicability in various civil engineering contexts.

  • 3.2

    Mechanical Properties

    This section discusses the mechanical properties of timber, including strength, elasticity, toughness, and hardness, which significantly impact its use in civil engineering.

  • 3.3

    Thermal And Acoustic Properties

    This section discusses the thermal and acoustic properties of timber, highlighting its effectiveness as an insulator and its sound absorption capabilities.

  • 3.4

    Durability And Decay Resistance

    This section discusses the durability and decay resistance of timber, highlighting the factors influencing its longevity and methods for improvement.

  • 3.5

    Fire Resistance

    Timber's fire resistance characteristics, including its combustibility and charring behavior, are fundamental for its use in civil engineering applications.

  • 4

    Defects In Timber (Brief Overview)

    This section provides an overview of defects in timber, including their origins and implications.

  • 5

    Seasoning Of Timber (Introduction)

    Seasoning of timber reduces moisture content to improve its strength, durability, and dimensional stability.

  • 6

    Industrial Wood Products (Preview)

    This section outlines engineered wood products that improve strength, uniformity, and durability, highlighting various types used in construction.

  • 7

    Seasoning Of Timber (Detailed)

    Seasoning timber is a crucial process that reduces moisture content, enhancing its strength, durability, and dimensional stability for construction use.

  • 7.1

    Objectives Of Seasoning

    The section outlines the main objectives of seasoning timber to enhance its properties and usability in construction.

  • 7.2

    Types Of Seasoning

    This section discusses two main types of timber seasoning: natural and artificial, highlighting their methods, advantages, and disadvantages.

  • 8

    Preservation Of Timber

    The preservation of timber is vital for increasing its lifespan and resistance to decay caused by biological agents.

  • 8.1

    Objectives Of Preservation

    This section outlines the core objectives of timber preservation, emphasizing the importance of extending its life and preventing degradation.

  • 8.2

    Types Of Preservatives

    This section discusses various preservatives used to enhance timber durability and resistance against biological agents.

  • 8.3

    Methods Of Preservation

    This section covers various methods of preserving timber to enhance its lifespan and protect it from biological threats.

  • 9

    Industrial/engineered Wood Products

    Industrial wood products are engineered to overcome the limitations of natural timber, providing enhanced performance and consistency.

  • 9.1

    Plywood

    Plywood is an engineered wood product made by gluing together thin layers of wood veneers, providing strength and stability.

  • 9.2

    Blockboard And Laminboard

    Blockboard and laminboard are engineered wood products consisting of core materials sandwiched between veneers.

  • 9.3

    Particle Board

    Particle Board is an engineered wood product made by compressing wood particles with resin, commonly used in furniture and construction.

  • 9.4

    Medium Density Fibreboard (Mdf)

    Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is a wood product made from wood fibers and resin, known for its smooth surface and versatility in furniture and interior applications.

  • 9.5

    Oriented Strand Board (Osb)

    Oriented Strand Board (OSB) is an engineered wood product made from layers of wood flakes bonded together, primarily used for structural applications.

  • 9.6

    Laminated Veneer Lumber (Lvl)

    Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) is an engineered wood product made from layers of wood veneers bonded together, providing superior strength and stability suited for heavy structural applications.

  • 9.7

    Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam)

    Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) is a structural product made by bonding layers of timber with adhesives, allowing for greater strength and versatility in construction.

  • 10

    Environmental Considerations In Timber Use

    This section highlights the importance of sustainability and eco-friendliness in timber use, emphasizing the need for responsible sourcing and utilization.

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • Timber can be classified by...
  • The internal structure of t...
  • Seasoning and preservation ...

Final Test

Revision Tests