Wood and Wood-Based Materials: Current Status and Future of a Structural Material

Abstract

Wood is one of the earliest construction materials, and the structural use of wood and wood-based materials continues to steadily increase. In fact, new wood-based materials continue to be developed and successfully introduced into the engineering and construction marketplace. Supporting the increase in use and development of new materials has been an evolution of our understanding of wood as a structural material. The primary aim of this paper is to provide a summary of the status and future of engineered wood and wood-based materials. This paper is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the literature or an all-inclusive state-of-the-art report on all types of wood and wood-based materials. Rather, the focus is on the past, present, and future of engineered wood and wood-based materials for use in civil engineering applications. It also provides a vision for addressing anticipated future research needs. At the conclusion of this paper, the reader may review and consider the recommended actions for advancing the state-of-the-art use and utilization of wood and wood-based materials.