Investment Reduction and Increase in Service Life of Kattumaram Logs

WORKING PAPERS - BOBP/WP/1

Investment Reduction and Increase in Service Life of Kattumaram Logs


By
R. Balan


Executing Agency: FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

Funding Agency: SWEDISH INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Development of Small-Scale Fisheries in the Bay of Bengal Madras, India. February l980

Table of Contents


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SUMMARY

Kattumaram logs have a relatively short service life because of rotand subsequent water absorption. The logs are also subject to high wear and tear due to frequent beaching and alternate wetting and drying. Melia Dubia and Albizzia Molluccana are two log species from Sri Lanka most preferred for the making of kattumarams. Due to their non-availability and the depletion of sources of similar timber from Kerala forests, there has been a steep rise in the prices of logs. Hence the need for ways to lengthen the life and lower the cost of the traditional type of kattumaram logs.

Increase of Service Life: Both chemical and physical means in the form of Copper Chrome Arsenic compounds (ASCU), coal-tar creosote and reinforced plastic sheathing, have been identified to increase the service life of kattumaram logs. Specifications for treatment have been recommended.

Investment Reduction: Ten different species of timber abundantly available in the Andaman forests have been identified as substitutes for the traditional timber species. Two in particular - “Didu” and ‘White Dhup” - have been recommended for trials.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


WORKING PAPERS - BOBP/WP/1pdf

PREFACE

INTRODUCTION

INCREASE IN SERVICE LIFE

CHEMICAL PROTECTION

PHYSICAL PROTECTION

INVESTMENT REDUCTION: ALTERNATE TIMBER SPECIES FOR KATTUMARAMS

RECOMMENDATIONS

APPENDICES:

1. TERMS OF REFERENCE
2. CHEMICAL TREATMENT PLANTS (MADRAS AREA)
3. ANDAMAN TIMBER FOR TRIAL

LIST OF PUBLICATIONS OF THE BAY OF BENGAL PROGRAMME