SEDL / STP / STP901-EB / STP23017S

Technology of Preserving Wood Structures

Sherwood, GE
Engineer, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI

Pages: 15    Published: Jan 1986

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Abstract

For the past 75 years, the Forest Products Laboratory has conducted research on topics ranging from wood anatomy to performance of entire buildings to development of construction guidelines. This paper presents research results applicable to extending the service life of wood structures. It includes information on fundamental properties of wood and on factors that influence serviceability, such as loading, temperature, moisture, chemicals, and weathering. The author summarizes state-of-the-art methods and practices for extending the life of wood structures and includes an extensive list of references.

This overview of technology for preservation and rehabilitation of wood structures should be useful to designers, builders, and regulatory bodies involved in building preservation and rehabilitation.