wood

Wood is one of the most employed construction materials, especially in North America. That is because it is easier to transport, acquire and work than any other natural material. In the United States wood is preferred for its withstand to speeding winds, rainfall and extreme weather conditions. We have seen how many natural disasters have taken away many lives and have left many people homeless, so it is a major concern to address this topic.

The strength in wood comes within its natural design and disposition of longitudinal and radial fibers, which, are not affected by cutting or long exposure. One of the major risks in the use of wood as a construction material is the threat of fire. Although it has been revealed that the primary cause of fire is the buildings contents not the construction’s material used. With new techniques and technologies it has been possible to provide the same level of safety in wood buildings as for concrete’s.

Wood must be carefully treated and seasoned because it contains and collects moisture which could cause structural failure. Although, there have been developed many mechanisms to prevent moisture and reduce it.

Several studies concluded that wood is one of the best construction materials to prevent structural damage during an earthquake and typhoons. That is due of the fact that wood is strong, lightweight and very flexible. These characteristics allow wood to absorve seismic forces and other vibrations.

There are two main systems of wood construction: the log construction which consists in a solid system and the skeletal system.

Wood has been used throughout history for all its advantages.