Glossary - E

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires building material in some building application to have particular characteristics in the early stages of a fire. These are set out in three indexes: 1) ignitibility index (scale 0-20), 2) spread of flame index (scale 0-10), 3) smoke developed index (scale 0-10). Specification A2.4 of the BCA calls up tests from AS 1530.2 & 3 to establish the index ratings for materials. 

The less dense, larger celled, first formed part of a growth ring. Also called "springwood".

Loads that are applied off the central axis of a structural member.

Eco labeling is a form of third party certification of a product that confirms that the product meets particular environmental criteria. Eco labels are designed to help consumers choose products that do less damage to the environment. Criteria for a product group are generally developed by the application of a life cycle assessment approach.

Ecology is defined as the study of the interrelations between living organisms and their environment, including both physical and biotic factors. Therefore ecological consequences refers to the changes the environmental effect may have on the relationships between living organisms and their environment.

Defined in Australia as "integrating commercial and non-commercial values of forests so that the welfare of society (both material and non-material) is improved, whilst ensuring that the values of forests, both as a resource for commercial use and for conservation are not lost or degraded for current and future generations". This definition has been provided by the Forestry Working Group on Ecologically Sustainable Development (1991) and adopted by the National Forest Policy Statement (1992).

A natural system that functions as unit. It is assemblage of living organisms together with their non-living environment in a particular area. Healthy ecosystems are necessary for maintaining and regulating: atmospheric quality, climate, fresh water, marine productivity, soil formation, cycling of nutrients and waste disposal.

Pins or blades on electric moisture meters, usually made of steel, used to penetrate and contact the wood. Insulated - Electrodes that are coated with an insulating material to limit or control the point of contact between the electrode and the wood.  

The amount of non-renewable energy used to extract and process raw materials into finished building components. The embodied energy of a material is usually expressed in the units MJ/kg and that of a sheet building component or element MJ/m2.

A coating of moisture-resistant material applied to the end grain of green logs or sawn boards to slow end drying.

The grain shown on a cross cut surface.

Environmental audits are a useful management tool that may form part of an overall environmental management system. This process entails a systematic and objective evaluation of how the organisation is performing in relation to its policies, regulatory requirements, environmental management systems and practices.

Environmental impact assessments predict environmental impacts of a new development at the design stage. They may be required by Commonwealth, State or Local government legislation dependent upon the scope of the project.

The environment is defined as the physical and chemical surroundings of an object, the cultural, aesthetic and other factors which contribute to quality of life. Therefore environmental impacts refers to the effects on the surroundings, primarily physical things.

Environmental management systems are systems that ensure the organisation is working within the framework of ecologically sustainable development. These systems can be formal or informal. Formal systems include those prescribed by ISO 14001 and 14004.

A joint in which the parts are joined by dowels that have been set in oversized holes with epoxy resin.

A joint in which the parts are bonded using an epoxy resin adhesive.

In kiln drying, a high humidity treatment in the final stages of drying intended to reduce the moisture content range between pieces of timber and the moisture gradient within pieces of timber. Also known as Equalising.  

The moisture content at which timber neither gains nor loses moisture from the surrounding atmosphere.

Plywood of naturally durable or treated veneers bonded with waterproof adhesive and capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to severe exterior conditions without failure of the glue-lines.

Substances such as tannin in wood that are not an integral part of the cellular structure and can be removed in solution by solvents, such hot or cold water, that do not react chemically with wood substances.