Written by an expert in the field, this authoritative resource presents tested techniques for conducting in-depth, professional investigations of failures involving wood and wood-based products. The book offers a detailed look at the various causes of damage to wood, includingmaterial characteristics, design and conditions of use,and chemical influences.

State-of-the-art forensic analysis methods such as tracking of relevant features, physical and chemical analysis, and microscopy are provided. This comprehensive guide shows you how to conduct efficient, costeffective,and reproducible wood failure investigations on site and inthe laboratory and deliver accurate findings and conclusions.

Failure Analysis of Wood and Wood-Based Products covers:

• Investigation strategy
• Methods of investigation
• Interpretation of features and distributions
• Examples of failures

Dr. Dirk Lukowsky started his career as a finish carpenter, eventually qualifying as a master cabinetmaker. After ten years spent learning his craft, he studied wood science and technology at the University of Hamburg and earned his Ph.D. with a thesis on the protection of wood with melamine resins. Since 1999, he has worked at the Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research (WKI) in Brunswick, where he specializes in failure analysis and wood protection.