The Role of Treated Timber in Indian Structural Economy

The article discusses how treated timber can play an important ro1e in the structural economy of this country. It is ossential, however, that channels of Waste in the production, distribution and utilization of timber should be dammed for obtaining the best economy out of treated timber. As far as ultimate eoonomy goes, the present practice of using expensive naturally durable timbers is hardly correct. Wastage in the storage, conversion and reasoning of logs should be reduced to a minimum. Better distribution and marketing facilities, especially for treated timber, should be inaugurated. Standardization of grades, sizes and shapes should be taken in hand. Non-durable timbers without preservative treatment should not be employed. Timber should be treated according to scientific technique, preferably under pressure. The preservative used should have a Round scientific basis and should have survived severe tests, Timber structures should be designedd and joined according to the latest ideas of timber engineering. It is also stated that for structural purposes a diameter superior to 14 inches is hardly necessary so that, as far as use for structural engineering purposes is concerned, a shorter period of rotation may receive consideration from forest officers.