Construction & Contractors Blog
Timber has been used as a structural material in building construction for centuries. Its use as a structural component in building construction has continued in the backdrop of the emergence of concrete and steel as more suitable structural materials for the construction of tall buildings.
While the use of structural timber is limited to small-scale projects due to design and construction limitations, there is little indication that concrete and steel will completely replace it as the structural material of choice for building projects in the near future.
Here are some key reasons why structural timber is here to stay.
1. Structural Timber Has a High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
Did you know that structural timber offers more strength than structural steel or concrete pound for pound? At first look, it's easy to think that steel and concrete provide more strength than timber. But when you compare the non-timber alternatives to timber side-by-side at equal weight, you will realise that timber comes out on top.
The best part is that the relative strength of wood increases with increases in its density. Higher density woods offer greater strength than lower density species. Structural timber is a perfect choice for the construction of lightweight structures where maximum strength is desired but weight is a huge concern.
2. Structural Timber Is an Energy-Saving Choice
As planet Earth's energy resources continue to get depleted at an alarming rate owing to the increased demand for energy across industries, there is an increasing need to make choices that lead to energy savings.
Even after wood harvesting, transport, manufacturing and construction, structural timber elements still end up consuming less energy than their structural steel and concrete equivalents. As a result, building with structural timber leads to increased energy efficiency, which is a good thing for the environment.
3. Structural Timber Leads to Carbon Reduction
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and replenish oxygen supply. When trees are felled, they lock up the carbon that is stored inside them. This leads to better carbon management.
Reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere is a good choice for people as well as the environment. Carbon emissions contribute to climate change, global warming, and other undesirable environmental changes.
Planning a building construction project that requires the use of structural timber? Discussing your project requirements with your project manager ahead of time will help to specify the timber products that are suitable for your job.
Share31 March 2020
Hello, my name is Colin and this is my construction blog. When people think of the construction industry, they often just imagine guys in hard hats building brick walls. While this is a popular image of the industry, it doesn't reflect the true diversity of different contractors and tradesmen who are involved in a construction project. Lasy year, my wife and I decided to construct our dream home. I had to arrange visits of plumbers, roofers, electricians, surveyors and home builders in order to get the job done. I learnt a lot during that experience, so I decided to start this blog.