Wood has been successfully used as a structural building material for hundreds of years.  Key to its success, is understanding in-service conditions of structure to provide proper design and detailing.  Understanding issues that may occur if not properly designed and detailed, will help designers mitigate potential issues.  This webinar will present state-of-the-art assessment methods for existing wood and timber structures.  Results from several interesting projects will be presented—including those from the inspection of USS Constitution (Old Ironsides).

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the important characteristics of wood when used as a structural element
2. Understand assessment methods for in-service wood, including state-of-the-art nondestructive evaluation methods and equipment
3. Comprehend examples of evaluations from various types of structures including buildings, bridges, and historic wooden ships
4. Research state-of-the-art sources for information on assessment of in-service wood

Funding provided in part by the Softwood Lumber Board.