Basic density and selected mechanical properties of Eucalyptus grandis X camadulensis (GC 550) grown in Uganda

Abstract

The limited information about Eucalyptus grandis × camaldulensis (GC 550) wood properties, yet there is its high demand of clones at the in most markets, this led to the study into its selected mechanical properties and basic density. The study aimed at providing information on the Basic density and MOR, MOE and static hardness of GC 550 grown in Uganda, a case study from Kyankwanzi district, kikonda forest reserve to determine the basic density of 8-year old E. grandis GC 550 Eucalyptus clones, determine the hardness of 8-year old E. grandis GC 550 Eucalyptus clones and also determine the modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture of E. grandis GC 550 Eucalyptus clones. Three trees with good bole were harvested from kikonda forest reserve, Kyankwanzi district in western Uganda to produce specimens as prescribed by British Standards and ASTM Standards. The Basic Density of was found to 589.37 kg/m3, the static hardness had a mean of 8726.9111 N and the MOE found to be to12468.73 MPa and ranged from 71283 MPa to 18718.60MPa, the MOR was found to be 119.39 MPa and ranged from 58.92 MPa and 190.04 MPa. The study also found out a significant (p=0.000) negative correlation variation between Basic Density and MOE and a significant positive correlation of 0.59 between Hardness and MOR. Furthermore, more research needs to be done on the other Eucalyptus hybrids and at varying thinning ages.