Properties

This section of the course starts by looking at the way trees lay down the wood that becomes timber as it is milled.  This is important, as the growth of the wood fibres gives them unique characteristics that underpin their behaviour.  The remainder of the section explores the properties of timber.  An understanding of the basic properties is needed by all who work with timber.  This is especially true of the moisture effects on timber.  This is significant component of this section.

 

Performance

Performance is simply satisfying expectations, and there are many expectations of timber elements in buildings.  An understanding of the properties and behaviour of timber will mean that all who use timber will be able to make decisions that will mean the timber used is able to deliver the required performance.

 

Structure of the section

Look first at the growth of timber and the characteristics of timber that come from the way it is grown.

Then look at each of the properties and focus on the way the timber behaves under different circumstances.