Field test on resistance of alder and hornbeam wood exposed to coastal waters of Amirabad port in Caspian sea

In order to evaluate the durability of commercial wood species of alder and hornbeam exposed to coastal water, the logs were cut into lumbers. Then after the reduction of moisture content, the lumbers were converted to special marine samples. The wood blocks were impregnated by CCA (Chrome- Cupper-Arsenic) using Betel impregnation method. Then treated and untreated wood samples were installed in one meter depth of water at seaside of Amirabad port, for 3, 6, 9 and 12 months periods. The result of the observations showed that, the staining fungi and balanus were able to colonize on the surface of control samples. However, treated specimens were only occupied by balanus and with increasing time (3 to 12 months) balanus presence were prevalent. The numerical result showed that untreated alder samples after one year were faced with 3.5% weight loss and treated samples not only had no weight losses but also increased in weight by12.21%. In the case of hornbeam, the result indicated that the weight loss of control was 2.7% while, in the case of treated samples was 7.9%. Also there were no sign of staining fungi on surfaces of treated samples of both wood species. As a consequence, treated woods could be safely used for many operations in the Caspian sea water.