Wood is an abundant, renewable resource that provides good insulation, is remarkably strong in relation to its weight, and can be watertight and insect-resistant. Given these attributes, it is not surprising that it has seemingly endless applications for buildings, furniture, bridges, boats, storing and transporting goods, and more.

Forest Service scientists study the material science of wood, composites, adhesives, wood preservation, and technologies necessary for utilizing wood in housing, buildings, infrastructure, and other applications. This work unlocks new performance characteristics and develops wood-based building materials that are safer, more sustainable, and more affordable.

The Forest Service engages in wood engineering and design research because:

• Expanding markets and applications for wood is an important strategy for combatting climate change. Using wood in building structures and other infrastructure applications extends the time carbon is stored in wood, beyond what might have been the natural life of the tree.

• Wood and wood products can be upcycled and recycled, making them excellent contributors to a circular economy.

• Life-cycle assessment studies have shown that wood frame buildings have a significantly lower environmental footprint than buildings made of materials such as steel, concrete, and bricks, providing architects with a green alternative for building design.

• Plantation-grown trees and small-diameter trees will become an increasingly important source of wood. The Forest Service conducts research and develops efficient and durable structures that use these sources from our changing forests.

Featured Work

• A team of Forest Service and University scientists reviewed 100-year performance of timber-concrete composite bridges and codes and guidelines, concluding composite bridges are an effective and durable design alternative for highway bridges.

• Forest Service scientists and partners studied the earthquake resistance of a cross laminated timber shear wall system, leading to a proposal for specific changes in building codes.

• A team of scientists from multiple universities and the Forest Products Laboratory have developed models to predict key characteristics that affect the quality of paper combing from Loblolly pine fiber(i.e.,within-tree and reginal variations for tracheid length and width).