* The best-selling text and reference on wood structure design * Incorporates the latest National Design Specifications, the 2003 International Building Code and the latest information on wind and seismic loads

Performance of Bio-based Building Materials provides guidance on the use of bio-based building materials (BBBM) with respect to their performance. The book focuses on BBBM currently present on the European market. The state-of-the-art is presented regarding material properties, recommended uses, performance expectancies, testing methodology, and related standards. Chapters cover both 'old and traditional' BBBM since quite a few of them are experiencing a comeback on the market. Promising developments that could become commercial in the near future are presented as well. The book will be a valuable reference resource for those working in the bio-based materials research community, architects and agencies dealing with sustainable construction, and graduate students in civil engineering. - Takes a unique approach to bio-based materials and presents a broad overview of the topics on relevant areas necessary for application and promotion in construction - Contains a general description, notable properties related to performance, and applications - Presents standards that are structured according to performance types

Describing the history and state-of-the-art of the thermo-hydrous manipulation of wood, this book provides either a desk reference or a field manual of wood science. It examines the polymeric components of wood and its multilevel hierarchical structure that confer its unique general-purpose character and faculty for transformation. Exceeding all ot

For nearly 60 years, Timber: Structure, Properties, Conversion, and Use has been the authoritative text on timber technology. Now in its seventh edition, this book remains a vital resource, providing accurate, comprehensive, and fact-driven information for students and professionals in the field. From basic coverage of timber structure, properties, processing, and utilization, to more in-depth scientific investigations, this book covers all the issues and topics of concern to readers with a wide range of levels of sophistication. Timber technology has not stood still since the last revision; Timber: Structure, Properties, Conversion, and Use has kept the pace, exploring such high-tech topics as computer-aided wood identification and log conversion, radio frequency drying of wood, enhancement of wood with plastics, application of preservatives with high-pressure vacuum systems, and the development and application of flame-retardant solutions. Other timely updates include enlarging the chapter on mechanical performance to cover elastic behavior, toughness, and the use of structural-sized timber for strength tests. The chapter on board materials has also been extensively updated and enlarged to include information on new boards and structural composites that have emerged since the last edition. One of the most important strengths of Timber: Structure, Properties, Conversion, and Use is its versatility as a reference for timber professionals while remaining approachable to students in the field. Evidence of the book?s comprehensiveness and versatility becomes clear as it teaches readers about such wide-ranging topics as: identification and nomenclature of timbers variability in cellular features between species principal chemical constituents in timber structural variability caused by natural defects such as bark pockets, resin streaks, and brittleheart determination of density and moisture content in timber thermal and acoustic properties of wood conversion equipment such as circular saws, band saws, frame saws, and chipper canters health and safety issues in the industry adhesives, metal connectors, and joint design forest and millyard pests application of preservatives and finishes From basic identification and timber nomenclature to methods of sap displacement and tests of electrical conductivity, Timber: Structure, Properties, Conversion, and Use covers it all. And while it is no longer possible for any one individual to write authoritatively on every aspect of timber technology, embracing as it does structure, properties, conversion, utilization, and behavior in service, J. M. Dinwoodie has gathered expert opinions and expanded on original author H. E. Desch?s approach and vision to continue to provide the authoritative text on timber technology.

With more than 500 species distributed all around the Northern Hemisphere, the genus Quercus L. is a dominant element of a wide variety of habitats including temperate, tropical, subtropical and mediterranean forests and woodlands. As the fossil record reflects, oaks were usual from the Oligocene onwards, showing the high ability of the genus to colonize new and different habitats. Such diversity and ecological amplitude makes genus Quercus an excellent framework for comparative ecophysiological studies, allowing the analysis of many mechanisms that are found in different oaks at different level (leaf or stem). The combination of several morphological and physiological attributes defines the existence of different functional types within the genus, which are characteristic of specific phytoclimates. From a landscape perspective, oak forests and woodlands are threatened by many factors that can compromise their future: a limited regeneration, massive decline processes, mostly triggered by adverse climatic events or the competence with other broad-leaved trees and conifer species. The knowledge of all these facts can allow for a better management of the oak forests in the future.