Abstract
Radio frequency–vacuum (RFV) is an alternative technique to dry solid timbers. The method was demonstrated to be effective in drying large dimension planks. Experimental results proved that the method considerably reduced drying period and successfully dried timber with fewer defects. An assessment was conducted to evaluate the effect of RFV system on some mechanical properties of timber. The timbers were classified as difficult to dry and require great consideration against rapid drying. This article discusses the mechanical properties of refractory timbers dried using an RFV drying system. The modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, Janka hardness and specific gravity of a selected Malaysian hardwood were analysed. Test results showed that the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity of RFV specimens were lower than the conventional kiln-dried timbers. On the other hand, the Janka hardness of RFV specimens was slightly higher. Comparison with kiln-dried timbers suggested that RFV process had no adverse effect on the specific gravity.
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Acknowledgements
The study was financed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Malaysia for project number 06-03-10-SF0214. Syarmiza, Ruszaida, Farid and Ainun assisted during the physical and mechanical assessments.
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Mohd-Jamil, A.W., Zairul, A.R. (2019). Mechanical Properties of Timber Dried Using Radio Frequency–Vacuum System. In: Pradhan, B. (eds) GCEC 2017. GCEC 2017. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering , vol 9. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-8016-6_14
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-8016-6_14
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