Experiment No. 8
COMPRESSIVE AND FLEXURAL STRENGTH OF WOOD
1. Objective(s):
The activity aims to be able to determine the compressive and flexural stress of wood.
2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):
The students shall be able to:
• Know how to determine the compressive and flexural strength of wood.
• Determine the relevance of compressive and flexural strength of wood in civil engineering field. .
• Apply the techniques and skills in determining the compressive and flexural strength of wood to
professional engineering practice
3. Discussion:
Compressive strength represents the strength property of wood which is most affected by moisture
content and hence has to be considered more than in the case of other strengths. Engineers measure
the compressive strength by loading a block of wood parallel to the grain until it breaks, and the bending
strength by loading a block perpendicular to the grain. Both are measured in pounds per square inch
(psi).
4. Resources:
4 x 4 x 8 inch wood
UTM for Compression / Flexural Test
Crosscut saw
Measuring tape