Uses For Timber Discussed

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31236, 7 December 1966, Page 22

Uses For Timber Discussed

The place of timber as a structural material, the ways of adjusting to the change in balance between indigenous and exotic structural timbers, and efficiency in timber design specification and use were discussed by Mr D. L. Evans, consulting engineer to the Dominion Sawmillers’ Federation, in a paper presented to a meeting of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Institute of Foresters last night. Mr Evans said that timber production was of sufficient volume to affect all New Zee landers, to a greater or lesser extent: that constant practical adjustments had to be made to the comparative availability of the traditional indigenous timbers and the fast growing exotics: and that the economical and efficient use of timber in buildings could make appreciable savings in overseas funds. He said that in view of the precautions taken today by the timber industry with the co-operation of Government departments, if the type and degree of preservation was ci rrectly specified, timber would last indefinitely under even the most hazardous circumstances.

“In its wealth and variety of home-grown timbers, New Zealand is probably one of the most richly-endowed countries in the world,” Mr Evans said. “The indigenous timbers. such as rimu, matai, the native beeches and the lesser known varieties would be richly-prized overseas for their interesting decorative qualities.

"It is perhaps surprising in view of these enviable resources. that we do not make more decorative use of our timbers in developing our own New Zealand architectural tradition.” Mr Evans said Radiata pine had deservedly built up a tradition in its own right as a reliable multi-purpose timber. It had a strengthweight ratio that was superior to that of any other structural timber, and had been advantageously substituted in increasing measure for imported Oregon and hardwoods that previously held sway for heavy structural work. “Glued laminated timber construction has opened up a wide field for the structural use of timber. Members may

be made of any required size and shape of cross-section: they may be curved and their length is only limited by the available transport and handling facilities. “Because they can be made of large cross-sectional dimen. sions, glue-laminated members are highly resistant to fire,” he said.