Natural drying performance of Eucalyptus camaldulensis timber in southeastern Turkey: Case study of Kahramanmaras

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Abstract

The drying process plays a crucial role in determining the quality and end-use performance of Eucalyptus camaldulensis timber, a species characterized by high initial moisture content and susceptibility to drying defects. This study investigates the effects of natural drying conditions on the quality of eucalyptus timber under the Mediterranean climate of Kahramanmaraş, Turkey. Timber specimens with thicknesses of 3 cm, 6 cm, and 12 cm were subjected to open-air and indoor drying over a one-year period. The results revealed that thinner timbers reached the target moisture content within 1.5–3.5 months, whereas thicker timbers continued to lose moisture throughout the drying cycle. Internal and heart cracking, as well as deformation behavior, were strongly influenced by timber thickness and drying environment. In addition, most specimens were classified as high quality according to EDG standards based on drying gradients, although achieving uniform quality was more challenging in thicker sections. Overall, the study demonstrates that natural drying is a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable method for timber processing, while emphasizing the need to carefully manage structural and climatic limitations. The findings offer valuable insights for optimizing industrial drying practices and improving the utilization of eucalyptus timber in similar environmental contexts.

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