The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: A Case Study of Effectiveness of Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity on Different Lengths of Bintangor and Yellow Meranti Species

Abstract

This study promotes Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and fostering innovation. By using Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques, particularly Portable Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Indicator Testing (PUNDIT), the study promotes the assessment and maintenance of materials without causing damage. For this study, PUNDIT is used to evaluate the effect of pulse velocity on two selected Malaysian tropical timber species, i.e. Bintangor and Yellow Meranti. This research is concentrated on assessing the relationship between timber lengths and pulse velocity parallel to the grain directions. Forty (40) readings of pulse velocity were measured for each species using a series of lengths in increments of 215 mm. The readings were measured using the direct transmission method. The result of the experimental laboratory test indicates that there was a weak correlation between timber length and pulse velocity. The relation was insignificant since the r-squared of the pulse velocity to the timber length was 24% and 16% for the Bintangor and Yellow Meranti, respectively. The inconsistent pulse velocity is likely related to the strength group, density, moisture content and unforeseen defects inside the specimens. In conclusion, it is found that utilising the PUNDIT pulse velocity to measure the length of Bintangor and Yellow Meranti timber is inappropriate. It is proposed that a distinct density range between the chosen species be considered for the upcoming test. The results shared in this research evaluated how the quality of timber species contributes to the construction of safe and durable buildings and structures, aligning with the goal of developing resilient infrastructure, as specified in SDG 9.