Introduction
This new series of technical articles will gradually build to form a Timber Engineering Notebook. Written by Chartered structural engineers Milner Associates with contributions from industry specialists, on behalf of the UK Timber Frame Association (UKTFA), the series aims to provide basic technical information on the use of timber as a structural medium, for the practising structural engineer.
By way of setting the scene, the first paper in the series provides a historical and technical background to natural sawn timber as a structural material. Subsequent papers will cover the range of engineered timber materials (engineered wood products) and composite wood products commonly available and different types of timber structures in more detail.
It's hoped that as the Timber Engineering Notebook series develops, it will become an essential source of technical information for anyone interested in and/or working with timber – and we look forward to providing this high quality, peer-reviewed reference material to members of the Institution.