CLUSTERING FOR PRESERVATION OF ENDANGERED TIMBER SPECIES FROM THE CONGO BASIN FOREST

Abstract

This paper aims to identify the technological proximity between tropical timber species from the Congo Basin. The analysed properties were correlated with mechanical performances and physical behaviour of glulam and glue joints. Deterministic clustering defines six homogeneous clusters. The fuzzy clustering provides a more refined picture where proximity between species can be quantified as a progressive concept. The results of this analysis may help the development of engineered tropical wood products, namely, glulam while preserving endangered timber species.