Assessment of some physical and mechanical properties of Golla bet (Daemonorops jenkinsiana) from north-eastern region of Bangladesh

Abstract

The physical and mechanical properties of Golla bet ( Daemonorops jenkinsiana ) from the north-eastern part of Bangladesh were investigated. These properties were studied in three height positions (bottom, middle and top) of three age groups (3, 4 and 5 years old). The variation of these properties due to node and internode has also been determined. Moisture content, volumetric shrinkage and basic density were evaluated from green to oven-dry condition, compressive strength, MOE and MOR were evaluated from green to air-dry condition. The moisture content increased gradually from the bottom to top. The density, compressive strength and bending strength decreased along the culm height from the bottom to the top. It was found that the node and internode had no significant effect on those properties. Effect of age was significant in all cases, except for moisture content and compressive strength. The effect of height was significant in all cases. Golla bet of the 5 years age group showed higher physical and mechanical properties except moisture content and shrinkage and the 3 years age group showed higher moisture content and shrinkage values. Negative correlation was found for physical properties with compressive strength.