Mechanical Properties of Lesser-Known Timber Species in Ghana

This research-based book establishes the mechanical properties in terms of structural size for some lesser-known timber species to assess their suitability for structural use. It focuses on the structural sizes rather than small clear specimens so as to rationally represent possible presence of defects such as knots and shakes in the strength values. The authors affirm that four species together with over 800 other lesser-known timber species abound in Ghana but are wasted by wanton destruction during logging operations for a few exported noble species. The authors reveal that the structural use of timber in West Africa is limited at the extreme expense of imported Portland cement and steel for most construction works. Emphasis is placed on the fact that several lesser-known timber species from the research possess suitable mechanical properties for light, medium and heavy structural applications, and therefore all lesser-known species deserve adequate study for proper utilization. From the research results, the book classifies the four lesser-known species in accordance with the European code EN 338-2003.