Short answer

When specifying timber for structural elements, consider lesser-known species like Memecylon lateriflorum if their density and mechanical properties align with project requirements, contributing to sustainable material sourcing.

Field: Final Production
Source: Nativa (2023)
Method: Experimental testing of wood samples.
Evidence: Strong effect

Memecylon lateriflorum, a lesser-used timber species, possesses a high density (840 kg/m3) strongly correlated with its mechanical properties, making it a viable alternative for construction. This final production research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Nativa. Using Experimental testing of wood samples., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When specifying timber for structural elements, consider lesser-known species like Memecylon lateriflorum if their density and mechanical properties align with project requirements, contributing to sustainable material sourcing.

Study

Final ProductionRecentStrong effect

High-density Memecylon lateriflorum wood exhibits superior mechanical strength for structural applications.

Memecylon lateriflorum, a lesser-used timber species, possesses a high density (840 kg/m3) strongly correlated with its mechanical properties, making it a viable alternative for construction.

Nativa · 2023

Key Findings

01Density of Memecylon lateriflorum wood is 840 kg/m3.
02Strong correlation (83-99%) exists between wood density and mechanical strength.
03Average tangential shrinkage: 9.46%, radial shrinkage: 6.57%, longitudinal shrinkage: 0.65%.
04Mean strength values at 12% moisture content: Modulus of Elasticity (19.724 N/mm2), Modulus of Rupture (143.00 N/mm2), Compression (62.40 N/mm2), Shear (20.50 N/mm2), Tensile Parallel to Grain (149.20 N/mm2).
05Janka hardness: 15.70 kN (radial) and 14.30 kN (tangential).

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing furniture, building components, or structural elements, investigate the physical and mechanical properties of locally available, lesser-used timber species to identify sustainable alternatives.

Project actions

01When choosing materials for a design project, look into the properties of less common options.
02Document the material properties thoroughly, including density, strength, and shrinkage, to justify your selection.

Method & Evidence

AimTo evaluate the technological properties of Memecylon lateriflorum wood to determine its suitability for structural applications.

MethodExperimental testing of wood samples.

ProcedureSmall, clear, defect-free, straight-grained wood samples were harvested from different heights of Memecylon lateriflorum trees. These samples were prepared and conditioned to a 12% moisture content before undergoing standardized tests for density, shrinkage, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, compression strength, shear strength, tensile strength, and Janka hardness.

ContextTimber species evaluation for sustainable forest management and construction.

Variables

IV["Wood species (Memecylon lateriflorum vs. others)","Moisture content","Direction of testing (radial, tangential, longitudinal)"]

DV["Density","Shrinkage (tangential, radial, longitudinal)","Modulus of Elasticity","Modulus of Rupture","Compressive Strength","Shear Strength","Tensile Strength","Janka Hardness"]

CV["Sample size and preparation (small, clear, defect-free, straight-grained)","Conditioning to 12% moisture content","Standardized testing procedures"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Utilizes standardized testing methods for reliable data.
+Investigates a lesser-used species, contributing to sustainable forestry.
+Establishes a clear link between density and mechanical strength.

Limitations

The study used small, clear samples. Real-world wood has knots and grain variations that affect its strength.

Reliability & validity

The study's reliance on standardized procedures and testing of defect-free samples enhances internal validity. However, external validity might be limited due to the focus on a specific species and controlled conditions, which may not fully represent real-world timber variability.

Think critically

How might the natural variability and presence of defects in timber affect the practical application of these findings in large-scale construction projects?

Design Principles

"Material selection should prioritize performance characteristics relevant to the application while considering sustainability and resource availability."

Understanding the material properties of underutilized wood species is crucial for sustainable resource management and expanding material options in design. This research provides empirical data that can inform material selection for designers and engineers seeking robust and potentially more eco-friendly structural components.

What This Means for Your Design

This wood is really strong and dense, so it's good for building things like houses.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when selecting timber for structural components in your design project, citing its density and mechanical strength data to support your choice.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The technological properties of Memecylon lateriflorum wood, as investigated by [Authors, Year], indicate its potential as a sustainable alternative for structural applications. With a density of 840 kg/m3 and a strong correlation between density and mechanical strength, this species exhibits favorable characteristics such as a modulus of rupture of 143.00 N/mm2 and a modulus of elasticity of 19.724 N/mm2 at 12% moisture content, suggesting its suitability for construction.

Source

Nativa

TECHNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF Memecylon lateriflorum WOOD: A TIMBER SPECIES FROM GHANA

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about high-density memecylon lateriflorum wood exhibits superior mechanical strength for structural applications?: When specifying timber for structural elements, consider lesser-known species like Memecylon lateriflorum if their density and mechanical properties align with project requirements, contributing to sustainable material sourcing. Evidence: Nativa (2023).
Why does "High-density Memecylon lateriflorum wood exhibits superior mechanical strength for structural applications." matter for design?: Understanding the material properties of underutilized wood species is crucial for sustainable resource management and expanding material options in design. This research provides empirical data that can inform material selection for designers and engineers seeking robust and potentially more eco-friendly structural components.
How can designers apply this research?: When specifying timber for structural elements, consider lesser-known species like Memecylon lateriflorum if their density and mechanical properties align with project requirements, contributing to sustainable material sourcing.
What were the main findings?: Density of Memecylon lateriflorum wood is 840 kg/m3.. Strong correlation (83-99%) exists between wood density and mechanical strength.. Average tangential shrinkage: 9.46%, radial shrinkage: 6.57%, longitudinal shrinkage: 0.65%.. Mean strength values at 12% moisture content: Modulus of Elasticity (19.724 N/mm2), Modulus of Rupture (143.00 N/mm2), Compression (62.40 N/mm2), Shear (20.50 N/mm2), Tensile Parallel to Grain (149.20 N/mm2).
What research method was used?: Experimental testing of wood samples..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Nativa.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing furniture, building components, or structural elements, investigate the physical and mechanical properties of locally available, lesser-used timber species to identify sustainable alternatives.
What are the limitations?: The study focused on defect-free samples; performance in real-world applications with natural wood defects may vary. Further research on long-term durability and workability would be beneficial.