ABSTRACT
29 Plant Materials provides fundamental information about reeds and grasses, wood, and bamboo, which are the most significant plant-based resources traditionally used for construction. Reeds and grasses, wood, and bamboo are featured in their respective sections, which describe current and former associational values that are (and have been) commonly attributed to the materials. Historical examples are used to trace the origins of each material and to outline significant practices that evolved from their use in construction. The materials' composition and properties are summarized and recent advances pertaining to material testing, standards, technology, and applications are discussed. Plant Materials provides background information that enhances the reader's understanding of the case studies featured in Part II of this book.
