This fourth edition is a major revision of a classic textbook continues its long tradition of being an introductory text designed to introduce students to wood as an industrial raw material. It is intended to help develop an understanding of the physical and chemical nature of wood, important wood properties and the nature of major wood products. Wood-based materials discussed include solid wood products, structural and non-structural panel products, paper and fiber products, and how wood properties affect the use and performance of these products. Related issues examined include the use of wood for energy, environmental implications of wood-based materials, and the global wood supply. Divided into four parts: Part I introduces the growth and structure of hardwoods and softwoods, chemical and structural characteristics of wood and bark and inherent variability. Part 2 deals with the physical properties of wood, relating these properties to the chemical and structural characteristics covered in Part I. Part 3 discusses the principal major wood-based products, the basic manufacturing processes associated with each, and how raw material selection affects product properties. Part 4 focuses on the global raw material picture, use of wood as an energy source, and environmental implications of the use of wood.

The new edition of this book offers a fully revised and updated review of the forest products industry. This important text covers the full spectrum of the subject, basing itself in a thorough understanding of the anatomical and physical nature of wood and providing a special emphasis on its use as an industrial raw material. Forest and biomass researchers are provided with comprehensive coverage of all aspects of wood science and industry, ranging from tree growth and wood anatomy to a variety of economically important wood products.

Timber bridges play a critical role at local, state, and national levels. They provide rapid and cost-effective transportation solutions. To that end, this bulletin addresses the benefits of constructing bridges with timber, including low carbon footprint, short construction time, environmentally benign aesthetics, high strength-to-weight ratio, off-site fabrication, extended service life, long spans, and favorable economics. Methods for improving timber bridge durability and protection are critical aspects of this bulletin. Physical, chemical, and design-based protection strategies against biotic organisms and abiotic stressors, methods of protection and maintenance as well as choice of structural form are included in this document. Options for use of hardwood species, treatment techniques, connection details, and deck design are described. Nationally recognized standards, including AWPA, ASTM, and AASHTO are referenced to facilitate knowledge transfer. Examples of timber bridge construction from around the world are illustrated. It is hoped that this bulletin will inspire, promote, and educate many stakeholders, designers, supervisors, and engineers in the field of timber bridges for years to come..

In the New England countryside tenuous bonds hold rural families together. At nine years old, Sander is too busy to be bored. With trees to climb, floods to explore, wildlife to track, and girls to watch, he is constantly occupied. With his little brother as a sidekick he torments his sister and squeezes every bit of fun from the world that he can. In the midst of 1981as downtrodden economy, he senses his familyas desperation. Though his parents live hand-to-mouth they plot and plan in an effort to provide a better future for their children and create new opportunities. Sander learns quickly that few good things in life come easy and that while it is not always easy to have strong character it is always rewarding. He keeps his keen eyes on his surroundings and in doing so provides rich, detailed, and colorful descriptions of the people and things that impact his life.

Book of Abstracts