Ultimate strength design of axially loaded ayin (<i>Anogeissus leiocarpus</i>) timber columns

Abstract

A procedure for designing axially loaded Ayin (Anogeissus leiocarpus) wood column or strut has been investigated. Instead of the usual categorization of columns into short, intermediate and slender according to the value of slenderness ratio, a continuous column formula representing the three categories was derived. To apply the formula, experiments were carried out on direct axial compression strength testing of Ayin specimens to obtain stress and strain data. The compression loading equations and the Euler-Engesser stress formula were used to determine the values of critical stress and corresponding slenderness ratio. From the results, an equation was derived to establish agreement between the theoretical stress values and experimental stress data.

Journal of Applied Science and Technology Vol. 10(1&2) 2005: 29-34