To investigate the mechanical properties of different tree species used for construction.

Abstract

The construction industry around Nagongera town council uses wood as one of the main construction material. Different wood species have different mechanical properties which affect the strength of the buildings some of which have collapsed. In this study, the mechanical properties of different wood species used in construction were investigated. Three tree species were investigated and categorized into soft and hard wood. The results showed that the species which had small deflection had some relatively high young’s modulus and was categorized as hard wood and that with high deflection had relatively low young’s modulus and categorized as soft wood. A recommendation was made that since hard wood is too heavy, it is not suitable for roofing which gives high weight to the wall and substructure leading to low strength of the building.