Structural Design
Wood can be used in many types of non-residential buildings, from repetitive single-story structures to multi-story offices and schools, industrial facilities, large arenas and more. Because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, dead load is a smaller component of the total load factor than for heavier materials. Usually the lightest or least involved construction type appropriate for a given span that is capable of carrying the design load is the most preferable.
Like all building materials, wood has unique design properties. By understanding the nature of these properties, designers are able to maximize the positive attributes of materials and account for other effects. Unique properties that affect wood design include:
- Hygroscopicity – Wood’s ability to absorb moisture can affect both dimensional stability and strength.
- Duration of load effects – Wood has a greater capacity to carry short-term loads than sustained loads, which enhances its performance in seismic and high wind zones.
- System effects – Wood systems have the ability to distribute and mutually support loads, increasing their efficiency.
- Size effects – Research has shown that smaller wood members are stronger per unit area than larger members.
Wood designers in the U.S. can use either an Allowable Stress Design (ASD) format or a Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) approach.
Source: Canadian Wood Council
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