Applied mechanics of wood materials

Max amount of FITech students: 200

Persons without a valid study right at a Finnish university or university of applied sciences have preference to this course.

Course contents

This course covers the basic principles of wood mechanics and the use of wood and wood-based products from the perspective of mechanical behavior. A fundamental overview of deformable bodies and their response under various load types is presented and linked to experimental methods for the determination of mechanical properties. Methods for statistical analysis and prediction modelling of material properties are covered together with application and design considerations for (engineered) wood products. Through this course, students will also appreciate the complex nature of wood and learn how to analyse the mechanical properties for design and application purposes.

Learning outcomes

After the course, students

• are able to perform basic static analysis of forces acting on rigid bodies
• are familiar with the behaviour of deformable bodies under different load types
• are able to determine the mechanical properties of wood materials from standardised tests
• know how environmental conditions influences the physical and mechanical properties
• are familiar with the rheology of wood and time dependent effects
• appreciate the natural variability of wood properties and know how growth irregularities and defects influence the mechanical properties
• are able to apply statistical methods to describe the mechanical properties, their variability and correlations
• are familiar with methods for non-destructive testing and evaluation of wood properties
• know how to develop models for the prediction of strength and stiffness
• are familiar with modern wood products and their applications.

Course materials

All materials are available on course online platform. The course is performed online with a common web browser.

Teaching schedule

Online lectures (recordings available):

• Introduction lecture Mon 24.2.2025 12–13
• Closing online lecture Mon 4.4.2025 12–13.

Completion methods

The course is completed independently online according to your own schedule before the course deadline given in the course platform (MyCourses).

The course includes:

• Reading materials
• Short videos
• Exercises
• Online exams.

Please check the schedule from the Aalto University study guide.

You can get a digital badge after completing this course.

puurakentaminen, puumateriaali, puutuotteet, mekaniikka, statiikka, wood construction, wood materials, wood products, mechanics, statics