The state of the art of reliability analysis of wood structural system
s is discussed. Both wood-system behavior and system-reliability analy
sis are included. Potential areas for research that could lead to bett
er techniques for both reliability analysis and reliability-based desi
gn of wood systems are considered. The suggested research areas, while
emphasizing gravity-loaded systems, have analogous counterparts for s
ystems loaded by wind and earthquake. All wood systems need to be exam
ined in more depth from a modeling and behavior standpoint, particular
ly with respect to simplified models suitable for reliability analysis
. Ultimate capacity reliability is emphasized, but serviceability reli
ability considerations are also included. Perhaps the most important r
esearch area discussed is the characterization of the various types of
wood systems so that limit-state definitions can be developed.