AZOBE

Family : OCHNACEAE
Scientific name : LOPHIRA ALATA / PROCERA

WOOD DESCRIPTION

  • Reference colour: dark red
  • Sapwood: quite distinct
  • Grain: coarse
  • Grain: counter-grain
  • Counter grain: strong

Dark red to purplish brown wood. Intermediate zone between sapwood and perfect wood. White deposits in the pores.

PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

These properties can vary significantly depending on the origin and growing conditions of the wood.

  • Density*: 1.06 –
  • Monnin* hardness: 10.7
  • Volume shrinkage coefficient: 0.69
  • Stability in service: not very stable
  • Total radial shrinkage: 7.3
  • Fibre saturation point: 28
  • Total tangential shrinkage: 10.3
    (*: 12% moisture content)

NATURAL DURABILITY AND IMPREGNABILITY OF WOOD

  • Fungi: class 2 – durable
  • Dry wood insects: durable; sapwood distinct (risk limited to sapwood)
  • Termites: class D – durable
  • Impregnability: 4 – not impregnable
  • Biological risk class: 4 – in contact with soil or fresh water

Transition wood has variable durability. Good resistance to tarets in temperate waters but average resistance in warm waters. This species is therefore considered to be “moderately durable” with respect to marine borers and only meets biological risk class 5 for use in temperate or cold marine environments.

SAWING AND MACHINING

  • Sharpening effect: fairly high
  • Sawing teeth: stellite-tipped teeth
  • Machining tools: tungsten carbide

Requires power. Sawing by overturning recommended (internal stresses). Some difficulties when planing due to counter-wire.

ASSEMBLY

  • Nailing – Screwing: good hold, pilot holes required
  • Gluing: correct

Gluing properties vary. Gluing requires care (dry wood and good surface finish) because the wood is very dense.

END-USES

Where there is permanent humidity, transition wood should be excluded.

  • hydraulic works (freshwater and marine)
  • crossbeams
  • bridges
  • flooring (heavy or industrial)
  • vehicle or container bottoms
  • stairs
  • heavy framework
  • posts
  • stakes

Main known uses to be validated by installation in accordance with good practice. Important note: some uses are mentioned for information only.

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