Bois — histoire, structure, propriétés et usages

Repères

Cellulose + ligninPolymer

Chars; Euroclass D typicalFire

~0.13 W/m·K acrossλ

CLTIcon

Grain rulesAnisotropy

ceramicsFamily

Bois is one of 32 materials in this atlas, grouped under ceramics: history, structure, measured properties, process routes, uses, safety and market — not a product catalogue.

Scores compare Bois with the rest of the atlas on strength, heat, fire behaviour, insulation, workability and circularity. They are editorial, not certificates.

Seven chapters follow. Fire and insulation claims name test families (Euroclass, ASTM E84, ISO 5660, KS F) rather than inventing a single safety number.

Introduction approfondie

Deep dive: Bois

Bois (cellulose–hemicellulose–lignin) is a family of grades whose density 0.3–0.8 g/cm³ typical, heat band chars ~200–300 °C; does not melt, and fire letter D–B depending on product / treatment.

What “the material” actually is

Bois is sold as grades, not as a single substance. Chemistry cellulose–hemicellulose–lignin, density 0.3–0.8 g/cm³ typical, heat band chars ~200–300 °C; does not melt.

This atlas treats Bois as a system: mill route, coatings, tests and the cavity it sits in.

Heat, fire and insulation

Conductivity note: ~0.1–0.2 W/m·K along vs across grain. Insulation score 56/100 is relative to 32 entries — metals lose, VIPs and aerogels win.

Fire letter in editorial use: D–B depending on product / treatment. Do not equate A1 with “safe in a blaze” or E with “illegal”. Assemblies decide.

How it is made and used

Origin: Palaeolithic tools; CLT 1990s Austria, Global forests / Graz. The process chapter follows feedstock → conversion → forming → finish → install.

Uses span buildings to defence / safety. Pairings matter: steel.

Market and circularity

Producers below are landmarks, not an endorsement ranking. Prices are bands, not live quotes.

Circularity mark 76/100. Ask which scrap, which certificate, which year.

Profil

Résistance 54

Résistance à la chaleur 32

Performance au feu 34

Isolation 56

Ouvrabilité 88

Circularité 76

Questions fréquentes

Is Bois non-combustible?

Declared reaction class in this atlas: D–B depending on product / treatment. Assemblies still need resistance tests.

Does Bois insulate?

Thermal mark 56/100 versus the atlas. Conductivity note: ~0.1–0.2 W/m·K along vs across grain.

What is the density band?

0.3–0.8 g/cm³ typical

How is it made?

Origin story: Palaeolithic tools; CLT 1990s Austria (Global forests / Graz).

Can it be recycled?

Circularity mark 76/100 — editorial, route-specific.

Typical melting or failure heat?

chars ~200–300 °C; does not melt

What should it be paired with?

steel: The incombustible frame alternative.

Where is it specified?

Buildings, transport, energy and consumer goods — see the uses chapter.

Icônes

Hōryū-ji

Japan · 7th c.

Hōryū-ji is a reference point in the public image of Bois.

Stave church

Norway · 12th c.

Stave church is a reference point in the public image of Bois.

Balloon frame

United States · 1830s

Balloon frame is a reference point in the public image of Bois.

CLT panel

Austria · 1990s

CLT panel is a reference point in the public image of Bois.

Mosquito bomber

United Kingdom · WWII

Mosquito bomber is a reference point in the public image of Bois.

Glulam arch

Europe · 20th c.

Glulam arch is a reference point in the public image of Bois.

Ise shrine rebuild

Japan · ritual

Ise shrine rebuild is a reference point in the public image of Bois.

Oak ship

Europe · age of sail

Oak ship is a reference point in the public image of Bois.

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Duels

Même famille, autres notes — choisissez un duel.

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Bois vs Béton

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Matériaux proches

Voisins les plus proches sur les six axes de l’atlas.

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Repères