Wood is easier to acquire, transport, and work than other natural materials.

All parts
of a building can be efficiently constructed of wood except foundations; its
disadvantage is susceptibility to fire, mold, and termites.

The strength of wood in both tension and

compression arises from its organic nature,
which gives it an internal structure of
longitudinal and radial fibres that is not
impaired by cutting or long exposure.

But like all organisms it contains

moisture and is not uniformly strong, so
it must be carefully selected and
seasoned to prevent warping, splitting,
and failure under loads. Wood is used in
building both solid and skeletal
structures. Decayed wood

The principal solid system, called log construction, is employed when

only primitive cutting tools are available. Four walls must be built up together in
horizontal layers of single hewn or uncut logs and jointed at the corners. The stability
of the log building depends entirely on the mutual support of the walls, and the
method is suitable only for simple structures of limited size.

The skeletal system requires precise

cutting and shaping of lumber. It provides a
rigid framework of jointed or nailed
members independent of the walls, which
are attached to the exterior and interior
surfaces after completion.
 Almost all masonry buildings of the past had wood
floors and coverings, since wood is the lightest, the
most practical, and the most inexpensive material for
spanning spaces.

The monumental architecture of the West has typically employed materials rarer than
wood for expressive purposes, but the history of wood construction can be traced
consistently in China, Korea, and Japan and in the domestic architecture of northern
Europe and North America
Europe

.
USA Japan

Wood continues to be used in a growing number of

techniques and products: heavy framing systems with
compound beams and girders, interior and exterior
facing with plywood and other composite panels, and
arch and truss systems with laminated members that
can be designed to meet particular structural demands

Physical Properties of wood: - Anisotropy

- Moisture
- Dimensional stability
- Density
- Resistance to weathering
- Durability
- Action of other organisms
- Electrical properties
- Thermal properties

Mechanical properties: - Elastic properties

- Strength properties

Task: Find out how these physical and mechanical properties affect the use of
wood in construction