Mechanical Performance and Failure Characteristics of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) Manufactured from Tropical Hardwoods Species

The study on the mechanical properties of cross laminated timber (CLT) panels made from tropical hardwood species is essential in order to promote the use of CLT as buildings material in Malaysia. The objective of this study were to evaluate the mechanical performance and failure characteristics of CLT fabricated from tropical timbers species, namely, batai (Paraserianthes falcataria), sesendok (Endospermum malacensis), rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) and kedondong (family Burceraceae). The modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and compressive strength were determined. The failure characteristics of each samples were visually examined and recorded. The results indicated that CLT made from kedondong (KKK) had the highest value of MOR (82.63 N/mm(2)) and MOE (11,371.33 N/mm(2)) compared to other species. For compressive strength, CLT made from kedondong (KKK) and rubberwood (RRR) were not significantly different. The failure characteristics observed from bending test were tension, rolling shear and glue line failure while the crushing, shearing and splitting failure were found during compression test. Based on the results obtained, it showed that, the tropical hardwood is suitable to be used as raw material to produce CLT. However, more study should be conducted to observe the performance of CLT on durability and outdoor weathering.