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Research Journal of the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka- Rohana 11, 2019
density and natural moisture content of the specimens of each species were
measured.
Figure 7: Universal Testing Machine
Three Point Bending Test
Specimens having a span length of 280 mm were tested for their bending strength
using the three-point bending test. As shown in Figure 8(a), the load was applied on
the specimens at their mid spans with a loading speed of 0.0066 m/min. The
displacements of the specimens were recorded to obtain their load - displacement
curves. Bending strength was calculated at the elastic limit assuming it as the
serviceability limit state. The maximum load possible in the elastic region represents
the serviceability limit state load.
Compression Parallel to Grain Test
Compression parallel to grain test with the loading plate moving at a speed of
0.000635 m/min was carried out on the specimens as shown in Figure 8(b) to see
how their displacements varied with the load. The maximum possible load at the
elastic limit was used to obtain the serviceability limit state compressive strength.
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