Creep Properties of Walikukun (Schouthenia ovata) Timber Beams

This study presents an evaluation of creep constants of Walikukun (Schouthenia ovata) timber beams when rheological model of four solid elements, which is obtained by assembling Kelvin and Maxwell bodies in parallel configuration, was adopted. Creep behavior obtained by this method was further discussed and compared with creep behavior developed using phenomenological model of the previous study. Creep data of previous study was deformation measurement of Walikukun beams having cross-section of 15 mm by 20 mm with a clear span of 550 mm loaded for three weeks period under two different room conditions: with and without Air Conditioner. Creep behavior given by both four solid elements model and phenomenological (in this case are power functions) had good agreement during the period of creep measurement, but they give different prediction of creep factor beyond this period. The power function of phenomenological model could give a reasonable creep prediction, while for the four solid elements model a necessary modification is required to adjust its long-term creep behavior.