Wood Engineering Handbook

"Summarizes information on wood as an engineering material. Properties of wood and wood-base products of particular concern to the architect and engineer are presented, along with discussions of designing with wood and some pertinent uses of wood."--Page ii.

All the information, formulas, procedures, and examples that you need to design virtually any type of wood structure of structural wood component - that's what you get in this indispensable handbook.

Forests, distinct from all their other services and benefits, supply a basic raw material - wood - which from the earliest times has furnished mankind with necessities of existence and with comforts and conveniences beyond number. One major use has always been in structures, particularly in housing. But despite wood's long service in structures, it has not always been used efficiently. In these days when the Nation is trying to utilize its resources more fully, better and more efficient use of the timber crop is vital. As an aid to more efficient use of wood as a material of construction, this handbook was prepared by the Forest Products Laboratory. It was the first institution in the world to conduct general research on wood and its utilization. The vast accumulation of information that has resulted from its engineering and allied investigations of wood and wood products over seven decades - along with knowledge of everyday construction practices and problems - is the chief basis for this handbook. Individual chapters describe not only the wood itself, but wood-based products, and the principles of how wood is dried, fastened, finished, and preserved from degradation in today's world. Each chapter is climaxed with a bibliography of allied information. A glossary of terms is presented at the end of this handbook.

This handbook provides an overview on wood science and technology of unparalleled comprehensiveness and international validity. It describes the fundamental wood biology, chemistry and physics, as well as structure-property relations of wood and wood-based materials. The different aspects and steps of wood processing are presented in detail from both a fundamental technological perspective and their realisation in industrial contexts. The discussed industrial processes extend beyond sawmilling and the manufacturing of adhesively bonded wood products to the processing of the various wood-based materials, including pulp and paper, natural fibre materials and aspects of bio-refinery. Core concepts of wood applications, quality and life cycle assessment of this important natural resource are presented. The book concludes with a useful compilation of fundamental material parameters and data as well as a glossary of terms in accordance with the most important industry standards. Written and edited by a truly international team of experts from academia, research institutes and industry, thoroughly reviewed by external colleagues, this handbook is well-attuned to educational demands, as well as providing a summary of state-of-the-art research trends and industrial requirements. It is an invaluable resource for all professionals in research and development, and engineers in practise in the field of wood science and technology.

We are proud to present this edition of the Wood Handbook-Wood as an Engineering Material, prepared and updated to include fascinating new developments in the field of wood utilization and released as part of the celebration of the Forest Products Laboratory's first 100 years of service to the public. Efficient use of our nation's timber is of critical importance. This handbook is intended to serve as a primary reference on the use of wood in a variety of applications-from general construction to use of wood for decorative purposes. It provides engineers, architects, and others who use wood with a source of information on the various properties of wood, its relationship with moisture, and characteristics of various wood-based materials. Continuing research holds promise for wider and more efficient utilization of wood in an increasing number of applications. This handbook was prepared by the Forest Products Laboratory (FPL), a research unit within the USDA Forest Service. The FPL, first established in 1910 in Madison, Wisconsin, was the first institution in the world to conduct general research on wood and its utilization. The information that resulted from many of its scientific investigations of wood and wood products over the past century is the primary basis for this handbook.

This unique handbook shows you what you can do with glued engineered wood composites in both residential and nonresidential building construction applications -- products that not only perform better than traditional solid wood products, but also reduce the pressure on available wood fiber resources. The APA Engineered Wood Handbook provides standards and guidelines for getting the most from some of the most exciting wood based materials available in construction today. Book jacket.