Mechanical evaluation of lumber as a material for floating houses: Flood resilience in Mozambique

Chichango, Fernando and Tsope, Sérgio and Conrado, André and Cristóvão, Luís (2025) Mechanical evaluation of lumber as a material for floating houses: Flood resilience in Mozambique. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 26 (1). pp. 737-755. ISSN 2581-9615

This study investigates the suitability of various wood species available in Mozambique for constructing floating houses in the country, which is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as rising sea levels and intense storms. The research focuses on Ironwood (Swartzia madagascariensis), Messassa (Julbernardia globiflora), Panga Panga (Millettia stuhlmannii), and Chanfuta (Afzelia quanzensis), evaluating their properties through humidity, dimensional stability, density, compressive strength, and tensile strength tests. Ironwood demonstrated superior performance with the lowest moisture content and highest dimensional stability, making it less prone to environmental damage. Its high compressive and tensile strength further supports its suitability for floating house construction, ensuring structural integrity and safety. However, its higher density requires careful design to maintain buoyancy. The study also highlights the importance of balancing wood density and platform design to ensure the floating house's stability. While high-density woods like Ironwood provide strength, they may reduce buoyancy, necessitating precise design considerations. Conversely, low-density woods like Messassa offer better buoyancy but may lack the necessary strength for long-term durability. The findings underscore Ironwood's potential as a viable material for constructing resilient floating house platforms in Mozambique's flood-prone coastal areas, aligning with initiatives aimed at developing climate-resilient home building techniques and offering a sustainable and adaptable housing solution to mitigate the impacts of climate change.