Some Basic Physical And Mechanical Properties Of The Valuable Hagenia abyssinica Timber And Their Interactions: Imlpication For Its Rational Utilization

Abstract

Among the overlooked major causes in Ethiopia that led to the destruction of forests, inappropriate utilization and endangering of the valuable tree species such as Hagenia abyssinica are lack of technical information on basic properties of wood and its utilization methods. The objective of this study was, therefore, to determine the basic physical and mechanical properties of H. abyssinica at green and dry conditions, their interactions and effect on its timber utilization. The study showed that there was significant difference (p Keywords : Density; Hagenia abyssinica; Mechanical properties; Moisture content; Seasoning of wood; Uses. Ethiopian Journal of Biological Sciences Vol. 5 (2) 2006: pp. 117-135