Wood

Activity 1: Summary ** Wood **
 * Summary:**

Wood, in the strict sense, is yielded by trees, which increase in diameter by the formation, between the existing wood and the inner bark, of new woody layers which envelop the entire stem, living branches, and roots. This process is known as secondary growth; it is the result of cell division in the vascular cambium, a lateral meristem, and subsequent expansion of the new cells. Where there are clear seasons, growth can occur in a discrete annual or seasonal pattern, leading to growth rings; these can usually be most clearly seen on the end of a log, but are also visible on the other surfaces.

The principal solid system, called log construction, is employed when only primitive cutting tools are available. Four walls must be built up together in horizontal layers of single hewn or uncut logs and jointed at the corners. The skeletal system requires precise cutting and shaping of lumber. It provides a rigid framework of jointed or nailed members independent of the walls, which are attached to the exterior and interior surfaces after completion.

The monumental architecture of the West has typically employed materials rarer than wood for expressive purposes, but the history of wood construction can be traced consistently in China, Korea, and Japan and in the domestic architecture of northern Europe and North America.

Physical Properties of wood: - Anisotropy

- Moisture

- Dimensional stability

- Density

- Resistance to weathering

- Durability

- Action of other organisms

- Electrical properties

- Thermal properties

Mechanical properties:

- Elastic properties

- Strength properties



Wood Structures





Activity 2: How does wood help to mitigate climate change? Answers: We all know that climate change is one of the most serious problems we are going. Year after year we see how it changes the climate, seasons, and that coupled with heat waves are becoming unbearable. Nature now is confusing and is not as easy to predict their behavior. However, there are good solutions to combat the problem of climate change and among them is the use of wood as a means to mitigate the factors that influence climate change. In forests of the world can achieve the greatest concentration of wood, since trees that are made up almost entirely of wood. On average each of these tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide and releasing 3/4 tons of oxygen per 32ft of growth, thereby significantly reduces the emission of greenhouse gases. But also, not only the tree being alive influences the progress of the climatic change, but also when it is used for the construction of an architectural work, since the carbon stored in this one during all his life will remain in his crust in a very long time. For example, a typical North American wood frame store 30 tons of carbon, equivalent to the carbon footprint of a vehicle for five years.

That is why wood is a very good material to combat climate change!!



** Graphic Organizer : Wood **