Description
INTRODUCTION
This heavy hardwood known as Balau (Genus Shorea/Dipterocarpaceae) can vary from yellow to brown. This wood darkens to deep brown on exposure.
Also known as Selangan batu (Brunnei); Phchok (Cambodia); Sal (India); Anggelam, Balau, Bangkirai and Dammar laut (Indonesia); Mai chik khok (Laos); Thitya (Myanmar); Gisok, Malayakal and Yakal (Philippines); and Aek, Ak, Balao, Takhian-samphon, Teng and Rang (Thailand).
USES
The timber is suitable for all forms of heavy construction, marine construction, ship and boat building, piling, beams, columns (heavy duty), bridges, railway sleepers, vehicle bodies (framework and floor boards), fender supports, door and window frames, staircase, posts, joists, rafters, flooring, decking and heavy duty furniture.
SHRINKAGE
Shrinkage is fairly low, with radial shrinkage averaging 1.1% and tangential shrinkage averaging 2.6%.
STRENGTH PROPERTIES
The timber falls into Strength Group A (Engku, 1988b) or SG 1 (MS 544:Part 2:2001).
Strength Properties of Balau
|
Species |
Test Condition |
Modulus of Elasticity(MPa) |
Modulus of Rupture(MPa) |
Compression parallel to grain (MPa) |
Compression perpendicular to grain (MPa) |
Shear strength(MPa) |
| S. glauca |
Green |
19,400 |
115 |
60.3 |
7.52 |
12.1 |
| S. laevis |
Green |
18,400 |
121 |
68.8 |
9.52 |
12.9 |
|
Air dry |
20,100 |
142 |
76.0 |
9.79 |
15.0 |
|
| S. maxwelliana |
Green |
22,100 |
125 |
70.6 |
12.62 |
11.5 |
Sizes
- Thicknesses of 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm
- Widths of 25mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 175mm, 200mm, 250mm, 300mm
- Lengths of 3-6ft & 8ft and up
Characteristics
Density
- Heavy Hardwood
- 850-1,155 kg/m3 air dry
Durability
- Very durable
- 15 years & above
- Suitable for rain, sun and marine conditions
Speciality
- Good for outdoor