The Natural Durability of Five Types of HTI Wood that Grew in North Sumatra Against Marine Borer Attacks

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 49 views

The Natural Durability of Five Types of HTI Wood that Grew in North Sumatra Against Marine Borer Attacks

Introduction

The use of wood in construction and marine industries has been a long-standing practice, but it comes with a significant risk of marine borer attacks. Marine borers, also known as sea termites, can cause significant damage to wood structures, leading to costly repairs and even collapse. In North Sumatra, Indonesia, the Industrial Plantation Forest Wood (HTI) is widely used in construction and marine industries. However, the natural durability of HTI wood against marine borer attacks is still unknown. This study aims to identify the type of sea termite and test the natural resistance of five types of HTI wood that grew in North Sumatra against sea termite attacks.

Background

Marine borers are a type of insect that feeds on wood, causing damage to the structure. They are found in various parts of the world, including Indonesia. The sea termite found in Belawan Waters in Medan consists of several species, namely: * Balanus sp * from the Ballonoidae family, * Telescopoium * From the Potamididae family, * Cardisoma Carnifex * from the Portunidae family, and * NEREIS SP * from the NEREIDIDAE family. These species are known to cause significant damage to wood structures.

Methodology

This study was conducted at Sea Port in Belawan Waters Medan, using wooden samples with a size of 30 cm in length, 5 cm wide, and 2.5 cm high. Samples are arranged randomly using a rope soaked on the beach and observed after three months. Wood that was submerged in the port for three months at a depth of 0 meters, 1 meter and 2 meters below sea level showed a decrease in sea termite attacks as the distance from the coastline, with the distance between the samples of ten centimeters.

Results

The results showed that all wooden samples were attacked by sea termites. The level of attack varied depending on the type of wood and the depth of the water. The study found that the type of wood and the depth of the water are significant factors in determining the level of attack.

Discussion

The results of this study provide an important picture of the vulnerability of HTI wood against sea termite attacks in Belawan Waters in Medan. The study shows that although there are differences in the level of attack, all types of wood studied are proven to be vulnerable to attacks. This highlights the importance of choosing the right type of wood for construction in the marine environment.

The Importance of Choosing a Type of Wood

This research shows that different types of wood have different levels of resistance to sea termite attacks. This shows the importance of choosing the right type of wood for construction in the marine environment. The study found that some types of wood are more resistant to sea termite attacks than others, and this information can be used to make informed decisions when selecting wood for construction.

Effect of Depth

Research shows that sea termite attacks are decreasing in line with the increase in depth. This indicates that environmental factors such as water depth can affect the intensity of sea termite attacks. This information can be used to inform the design and construction of marine structures, taking into account the potential for sea termite attacks.

The Role of Prevention

This research underlines the importance of applying preventive measures to protect wood from sea termite attacks, such as the use of wood preservatives or appropriate construction techniques. This information can be used to inform the development of new construction techniques and materials that are resistant to sea termite attacks.

Benefits for Readers

This article provides valuable information for practitioners in the fields of forestry, construction, and marine. This information can help them in choosing the right type of wood, applying effective construction techniques, and increasing building resilience in the marine environment. In addition, this article also raises awareness about the importance of preserving forests and marine ecosystems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides an important picture of the vulnerability of HTI wood against sea termite attacks in Belawan Waters in Medan. The study shows that although there are differences in the level of attack, all types of wood studied are proven to be vulnerable to attacks. This highlights the importance of choosing the right type of wood for construction in the marine environment and the need for preventive measures to protect wood from sea termite attacks.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Choose the right type of wood for construction in the marine environment.
Apply preventive measures to protect wood from sea termite attacks, such as the use of wood preservatives or appropriate construction techniques.
Inform the design and construction of marine structures, taking into account the potential for sea termite attacks.
Develop new construction techniques and materials that are resistant to sea termite attacks.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on developing new construction techniques and materials that are resistant to sea termite attacks. This can include the development of new wood preservatives or the use of alternative materials that are resistant to sea termite attacks. Additionally, research should focus on the impact of environmental factors, such as water depth and temperature, on sea termite attacks.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted in a specific location, Belawan Waters in Medan, and the results may not be generalizable to other locations. Secondly, the study only tested five types of HTI wood and the results may not be representative of all types of wood. Finally, the study only observed the effects of sea termite attacks on wood and did not consider other factors that may affect the durability of wood.

Conclusion

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to identify the type of sea termite and test the natural resistance of five types of Industrial Plantation Forest Wood (HTI) that grew in North Sumatra against sea termite attacks.

Q: What are the main findings of this study?

A: The main findings of this study are that all wooden samples were attacked by sea termites, and the level of attack varied depending on the type of wood and the depth of the water.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that different types of wood have different levels of resistance to sea termite attacks, and environmental factors such as water depth can affect the intensity of sea termite attacks.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study are to choose the right type of wood for construction in the marine environment, apply preventive measures to protect wood from sea termite attacks, and inform the design and construction of marine structures, taking into account the potential for sea termite attacks.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that it was conducted in a specific location, Belawan Waters in Medan, and the results may not be generalizable to other locations. Additionally, the study only tested five types of HTI wood and the results may not be representative of all types of wood.

Q: What are the future research directions of this study?

A: The future research directions of this study are to develop new construction techniques and materials that are resistant to sea termite attacks, and to investigate the impact of environmental factors, such as water depth and temperature, on sea termite attacks.

Q: What are the benefits of this study for practitioners in the fields of forestry, construction, and marine?

A: The benefits of this study for practitioners in the fields of forestry, construction, and marine are that it provides valuable information for choosing the right type of wood, applying effective construction techniques, and increasing building resilience in the marine environment.

Q: What are the benefits of this study for the environment?

A: The benefits of this study for the environment are that it raises awareness about the importance of preserving forests and marine ecosystems, and it provides information for developing sustainable construction practices that minimize the impact of sea termite attacks on the environment.

Q: What are the next steps for this study?

A: The next steps for this study are to conduct further research on the development of new construction techniques and materials that are resistant to sea termite attacks, and to investigate the impact of environmental factors on sea termite attacks.

Q: How can readers get involved in this study?

A: Readers can get involved in this study by providing feedback and suggestions for future research directions, and by sharing the results of this study with others in the fields of forestry, construction, and marine.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study are in the development of new construction techniques and materials that are resistant to sea termite attacks, and in the design and construction of marine structures that are resilient to sea termite attacks.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study for the economy?

A: The potential benefits of this study for the economy are that it can lead to the development of new industries and jobs related to the production of resistant wood and the design and construction of marine structures.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study for society?

A: The potential benefits of this study for society are that it can lead to the development of sustainable construction practices that minimize the impact of sea termite attacks on the environment, and it can provide information for developing policies and regulations that protect the environment and promote sustainable development.