Wood as Civil Engineering Material

Structure of Wood

• The distinct structure of wood, composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, affects its use as a construction material.

Wood Products

• Engineered wood products, such as plywood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL), are manufactured by combining wood fibers or layers to form a stronger and more stable product.

Types of Wood

• Softwoods, such as pine, spruce, and fir, have growth rings composed of earlywood and latewood.

Moisture Content

• The moisture content of a wood specimen represents the percentage of water present in the wood relative to its oven-dry weight.

Properties of Wood

• Wood's ability to absorb and release moisture without deteriorating makes it an important civil engineering material.

Moisture Saturation

• The level of saturation at which the cell walls are completely saturated, but no free water exists in the cell cavities, is called the fiber saturation point (FSP).

Lumber Processing

• Surfacing the rough-sawn lumber is done to improve its appearance, stability, and workability.

Lumber Usage

• Softwoods, such as spruce, pine, and fir, are typically used for studs, joists, beams, and trusses.

Engineered Wood

• Engineered wood refers to wood products manufactured by combining wood fibers or layers to form a stronger and more stable product.

Heavy Timber

• Heavy timber is commonly used in large, rectangular sections, often with a solid, rectangular cross-section.