Suitability of salvaged timber in structural design

Abstract

Increased demand for timber construction in the United States has placed a strain on the American timber reserve. At the same time, the annual demolition of thousands of buildings and wood structures results in thousands of tons of waste earmarked for incineration or landfill disposal. There exists a great potential to reuse most of the wood already standing in today's structures for tomorrow's construction. Identifying alternatives for virgin timber can create economic opportunity and help to mitigate an expensive and environmentally sensitive landfill problem. This thesis describes the opportunities, barriers, and benefits of using reclaimed lumber and timbers in new construction. Factors affecting the mechanical properties of wood are examined and changes in strength over time are quantified. Utilizing current research, various sources of reclaimed timber are studied and recommendations are made as to their potential for reuse in structural design.