Proceedings of the Experimental Mechanics Plenary Session at the Forest Products Research Society Annual Meeting, Portland, ME, June 29, 1994. Papers include: introduction to techniques in experimental mechanics; strain measurement on wood using extensometers, clip-on electrical transducers, electrical resistance strain gauges, and tell-tale gauges; image correlation for measuring strain in wood and wood-based composites; application of imaging technologies to experimental mechanics; full field stress/strain analysis: use of moire and TSA for wood structural assemblies; and characterizing the wood fiber/polymer interface.