Wood-plastic composite
June 3, 2009 by blogtopia
Filed under Definitions
Wood-plastic composite (commonly abbreviated as WPC) is a non-recyclable composite material lumber or timber made of recycled plastic and wood wastes.
There are also application in the market, which utilize only virgin raw materials. Its most widespread use is in outdoor deck floors, but it is also used for railings, fences, landscaping timbers, cladding and siding, park benches, molding and trim, window and door frames, and indoor furniture.
Timber framing
June 1, 2009 by blogtopia
Filed under Definitions
Timber framing is a style of construction which uses heavier framing elements than modern stick framing, which uses dimensional lumber. The timbers originally were tree boles squared with a broadaxe or adze and joined together with joinery without nails. A modern imitation with sawn timbers is growing in popularity in the United States.
One of the most conventional framing methods is the Neumann Notch, which involves a thirty-two degree angling of adjoining lumber and then a right-angled wedge with an eighteen degree cusp fitted between the lumber before being bolted. This convention was pioneered by Daniel R. Neumann, a carpenter from Germany, that was responsible for the structural development of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630. This framing convention spread to construction sites in other colonies, most famously Plymouth and Concord. Neumann’s notched framing then was adopted by carpenters and construction companies and this framing convention is still used today in traditional frame sets.
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Timber treatment
June 1, 2009 by blogtopia
Filed under Definitions
Timber or lumber may be treated with a preservative that protects it from being destroyed by insects, fungus or exposure to moisture. Generally this is applied through combined vacuum and pressure treatment. The preservatives used to pressure-treat lumber are classified as pesticides. Due to potential hazards to humans and the environment, some are being phased out. Many newer preservatives are free of metallic compounds altogether, and are instead based on biodegradable organic chemistry.
Treating lumber provides long-term resistance to organisms that cause deterioration. If it is applied correctly, it extends the productive life of lumber by five to ten times. If left untreated, wood that is exposed to moisture or soil for sustained periods of time will become weakened by various types of fungi, bacteria or insects.
Glued laminated timber
June 1, 2009 by blogtopia
Filed under Definitions
Glued laminated timber, also called Gluelam or Glulam, is a type of structural timber product composed of several layers of dimensioned lumber glued together.
By laminating several smaller pieces of wood, a single large, strong, structural member can be manufactured from smaller lumber. These structural members are used as vertical columns or horizontal beams, as well as curved, arching shapes. Connections are usually made with bolts and steel plates.
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- Glued Laminated Timber