Timber with its improved mechanical and durability properties is fast gaining the reputation as the structural material of the 21st century. Given the pressure on the climate, environment and our rapidly depleting resources because of the housing sectors' heavy reliance on concrete, steel, and other industrial products, the potential of timber as an alternative to these materials is keenly explored by the industry and researchers worldwide. The motivation to build in timber comes from a compelling combination of low cost, faster construction time, better safety outcomes on-site, reduced or eliminated carbon emissions and excellent strength to weight properties all packaged in the natural warmth and comfort that wood elicits.
Various technologies and forms of engineered timber products with the potential to revolutionize the way we build our infrastructure are being tested and emerging. This paper discusses the natural advantages of timber as a structural material and explores the recent innovation and development in the field of timber engineering.
The future of timber as a sustainable and viable material for meeting the housing demand for the ever-burgeoning world population is presented. It also discusses the scope and the necessary institutional and infrastructural precursors required to tap the benefits of this natural material in Bhutan.
This was covered in the National newspaper, KUENSEL. The link can be found here.