Structural utilisation of timber poles

Project Aims

To demonstrate and promote the use of forestry thinnings (poles) as an appropriate, low-cost, environmentally friendly, primary construction material

Countries

• Sri Lanka

Activities

• Survey of timber plantations, including availability of thinnings
• Determination of physical and mechanical properties of selected species
• Investigations and treatment trials to establish effectiveness of different preservative treatment techniques

Outputs

• Design and construction of demonstration houses (with LEADS) and a workshop-type building, using treated timber poles
• Arrangement of training programmes and study tours for counterpart personnel
• Organisation of in-country seminars to disseminate the project findings
• Production of manuals, posters and a video illustrating the activities of the project

The project demonstrates an integrated approach to building, involving the use of timber in conjunction with other appropriate materials such as stabilised soil blocks and micro-concrete tiles.