TIMBER FOR STRUCTURAL PURPOSES 



entirely reasonable and in no way a reflection on the stability 

 of timber that under certain conditions it should be treated with 

 creosote, or some other preservative, to prevent decay. 



The inside timbers in many buildings where exposed to 

 moisture should be treated with creosote. All timber in con- 

 tact with the ground may be preserved indefinitely against de- 

 cay. Mud sills and beams on foundations, basement planking, 

 stringers, and other structural parts may be creosoted to give 

 permanence and stability. This not only reduces renewals to a 

 minimum but establishes a constant factor of safety, since there 

 is no reduction in strength from decay. Such timbers if given 

 an empty cell treatment and left exposed to the air before 

 being put in place will have no objectionable odor. In situa- 

 tions where the color or use of creosote for any reason would 

 be objectionable zinc-chloride may be used. 



The intelligent use of wood-preserving methods has the 

 further advantage that the factor of durability in structural 

 timber can be largely ignored and consideration given only to 

 strength requirements. Many timbers which are naturally 

 non-durable are cheaper than the more durable woods, thus 

 effecting in the first cost a saving which largely covers the ex- 

 pense of treatment. 



Summary In this introductory publication an attempt has 

 been made to review briefly the many diversified 

 phases connected with the use of structural timber in mod- 

 ern construction. The general announcement that the lumber 

 manufacturers are preparing and publishing a series of tech- 

 nical bulletins dealing with timber and wood products in all 

 forms should be welcomed by all architects, engineers and 

 builders. Their libraries have contained reference books on 

 practically all building materials except w^ood, and this lack 

 will now be supplied with the best engineering data on struc- 

 tural timber and wood construction. These publications have 

 been made readily available to all who are interested. 



Page twenty 



