Synthetic Timber Technologies

Engineered timber for modern construction

This book offers a practical and technically grounded guide to synthetic timber and related engineered wood alternatives. It brings together the full chain of knowledge, from raw materials and binder systems to manufacturing, structural testing, durability, fire behavior, acoustics, detailing, and life cycle assessment. The result is a focused reference for anyone working with wood based composites in sustainable building applications.

What the book covers

• Clear terminology and material classification, including fiber based composites, polymer modified wood, and hybrid systems.
• Feedstock preparation and quality control for residues, fibers, strands, particles, and lamellae.
• Manufacturing routes such as pressing, casting, lamination, extrusion, curing, and process control.
• Mechanical, moisture, thermal, acoustic, and fire performance, with emphasis on testing methods and acceptance criteria.
• Connection design, envelope integration, installation practice, and on site quality assurance.
• Environmental accounting, specification writing, compliance workflows, and practical case studies.

Why this title matters

The book is aimed at making engineered wood alternatives easier to specify, evaluate, and use in real projects. It connects material science with construction practice, so readers can better understand how product composition affects strength, stability, durability, and building performance over time.

Ideal for

• Architects and building designers
• Structural and materials engineers
• Manufacturers and product developers
• Specifiers, inspectors, and construction professionals
• Students and researchers in sustainable construction

With its broad technical scope and applied emphasis, this volume serves as both an introductory framework and a detailed working reference for the next generation of wood based building products.