The Effect of the Fiber of Wood and Connection Tools on the Vibration Characteristics of Gofasa Wood (Vitex cofassus)

The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of vibration transmission of Gofasa wood (vitex cofassus), which the primary material used in wooden shipbuilding in Maluku. The improvement of the connections of wood has an influence on the stiffness values of the binding system because of its mechanical properties. In this research, the excitation test was carried out on the connection with Radial-Radial (RR), Tangential-Tangential (TT) and Radial-Tangential (RT) fiber direction to see the effect of the orientation of the wood fiber on the vibration characteristics. The excitation test to the specimens using bolt, nail and peg connections was conducted to see the effect of the fastening tool on vibration characteristics. The results of the tests showed that the dynamic stiffness of the RR connection using a bolt had the highest value at the four measurement points exceeding the dynamic stiffness of the material without connections. Dynamic stiffness k of the TT connections using a nail had the highest value and k with the RT joint recorded the highest value using the peg connection tools. This study shows that the determination of the direction of the fiber and the type of connecting devices have an effect on the magnitude of the vibration transmission. This research indicates that vibration characteristic can be using as a reference in determining the appropriate connection tool to be used on wood material based on the fiber direction.