Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find information on evaluation, maintenance and repair of existing structures?
Wood and Timber Condition Assessment Manual
by Robert J. Ross, Brian K. Brashaw, Xiping Wang, Robert H. White, and Roy F. Pellerin.
Available at http://www.forestprod.org/mycart/index.php?categoryID=10
Forest Products Society
2801 Marshall Ct.
Madison, WI 53705-2295
Website: http://www.forestprod.org
Phone: (608) 231-1361 ext. 202
Here's contact information for the lead author:
Dr. Robert J. Ross
E-mail: rjross@fs.fed.us
Phone: (608) 231-9210
Website: http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/rwu4723/rwu4719/index.html
Other resources:
Evaluation, Maintenance and Upgrading of Wood Structures: A Guide and Commentary. Published by ASCE (Committee on Wood), 1982. Available at https://www.asce.org/
ISBN # 0872623173
Evaluation and Upgrading of Wood Structures: Case Studies. Published by: ASCE(Proceedings of a session at Structures Congress, 1986). Edited by: Vijay K. A. Gopu. Available at https://www.asce.org/bookstore/book.cfm?book=2984
ISBN # 0872625508
Grading of existing timbers
West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau (WCLIB) will grade existing timbers. Here's contact information:
WEST COAST LUMBER INSPECTION BUREAU
PO Box 23145
Portland, Oregon 97281-3145
503-639-0651
Fax: 503-684-8928
http://www.wclib.org/
MO-111.1 Inspection of Wood Beams and Trusses (09-01-1985)
NAVFAC Maintenance & Operations Manual
http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/NAVFAC/OPER/mo111_1.pdf
Historical Considerations in Evaluating Timber Structures
R. L. Tuomi and R. C. Moody, Engineers
Forest Products Laboratory U.S. Department of Agriculture
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplgtr/fplgtr21.pdf
Section: Wood Building / Structure Types
- Where can I find information on log structures?
- Where can I find information on Timber Poles and Piles?
- Where can I find information on concrete formwork design and materials?
- Where can I obtain information on designing post frame structures (sometimes referred to as pole buildings or pole barns)?
- Where can I find information on timber bridge design and construction?
- What is timber frame construction and where do I find more information about it?
- Where can I find information on low-profile wood floor systems?
- Where can I find information on the structural performance of a house?
- Where do I find information on wood guardrails used in highway/bridge construction?
- Where can I find information comparing wood-frame and masonry structures?
- Where can I find information concerning metal plate connected wood trusses?
- Where can I find more information on bowstring trusses?
- Where can I find information on conventional wood frame construction?
- Where can I find information on plank and beam framing for residential buildings?
- Where can I find information on heavy timber construction?
- Where can I find information on evaluation, maintenance and repair of existing structures?
- What are the design criteria such as deflection limits and strength for wood guard rails or hand rails?
- What is cross laminated timber?
- In a relatively active seismic zone, are heavy timber concentrically braced frames allowed? If so, what values (such as 'R') should be applied?
Fire and Smoke Repair
Restoration Industry Association Guidelines for Fire & Smoke Damage Repair, 2nd Edition
Classic texts online
Rankin, William John MacQuorn (1866): Useful Rules and Tables relating to Mensuration, Engineering, Structures, and Machines, Charles Griffn and Company, London, UK.
Includes timber design properties (see p.199).
Johnson, J.B. (1904): The Materials of Construction - A Treatise for Engineers on the Strength of Engineering Materials, Fourth Edition, John Wiley & Sons, New York, USA.
Comprehensive strength of materials text for typical materials of the time, including timber (see p.236-238).
Ketchum, Milo S. (1918): Structural Engineers Handbook - Data for the Design and Construction of Steel Buildings and Bridges, Second Edition, McGraw-Hill Book Company Inc., New York, USA.
Includes timber Bridges and trestles (see p.298).
Jacoby, H.S. (1909): Structural Details or Elements of Design in Timber Framing, John Wiley & Sons, NY, USA.
An early authoritative text on timber detailing, joints, connections, design, and more.