Topic outline

  • Preservation of Wood Products

    Credits: 4 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Many commonly used wood species can deteriorate if exposed to conditions that support growth of wood-degrading organisms. Wood products can be protected from the attack of decay fungi, harmful insects, or marine borers by applying chemical preservatives. Preservative treatments greatly increase the life of wood structures, thus reducing replacement costs and allowing more efficient use of forest resources. The degree of protection achieved depends on the preservative used and the proper penetration and retention of the chemicals. Some preservatives are more effective than others, and some are more adaptable to certain use requirements.

    To obtain long-term effectiveness, adequate penetration and retention are needed for each wood species, chemical preservative, and treatment method. Not only are different methods of treating wood available, but treatability varies among wood species—particularly their heartwood, which generally resists preservative treatment more than does sapwood. Although some tree species possess naturally occurring resistance to decay and insects many are in short supply or are not grown in ready proximity to markets.

    Topics:

    • Waterborne Preservatives
    • Preservatives with ICC–ES Evaluation
    • Oil-Borne or Oil-Type Preservatives
    • Treatments for Wood Composites
    • Water-Repellent and Nonpressure Treatments
    • Selecting Preservatives
    • Evaluating New Preservatives
    • Preservative Effectiveness
    • Effect of Species on Penetration
    • Preparation of Wood for Treatment
    • Peeling, and Drying
    • Conditioning of Green Products
    • Incising, Cutting and Framing
    • Application of Preservatives
    • Pressure Processes
    • Effect on Mechanical Properties
    • Nonpressure Processes
    • In-Place and Remedial Treatments
    • Best Management Practices
    • Quality Assurance for Treated Wood
    • Treating Conditions and Specifications
    • Inspection of Treatment Quality
    • Effects on the Environment
    • Recycling and Disposal of Treated Wood

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Structural, Civil, Materials, Construction, Transportation, and other engineers whose job description may require a comprehensive knowledge of wood preservation techniques, and of the use of wood as an engineering material.
    Publication Source: US Forestry Service, Wood Handbook, Chapter 15, April 2010 Edition

    D. Allen Hughes, PE

    • Topic 1