jismart2024035: A Review of Structural Performance and Retrofit Strategies for Timber Walls

Abstract

The construction industry, accounting for 30% of global energy use and 27% of emissions, highlights the need for sustainable materials. Currently, 80% of energy systems still rely on fossil fuels, fueling interest in alternatives. Wood, as a renewable and recyclable material, offers great potential due to its light weight and strong seismic performance. However, its sustainability depends on factors like forest management, production processes, transportation, and adhesive use. This paper presents an overview of global research on timber materials, focusing on the construction and performance of timber walls, including safety evaluations and performance enhancements. Through an extensive literature review, the author conducts a comparative analysis of various wood treatment methods and their effects on key performance attributes, such as seismic resistance, insulation, and thermal conductivity. The study also highlights existing research gaps and provides a forward-looking perspective, offering valuable insights for future studies on timber housing development and applications.Through this in-depth analysis, the potential of wood as a sustainable building material is fully demonstrated, especially in the context of global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. Wooden structures are expected to play a greater role in the future.