A perceptional comparison of wood in separate infrastructure markets

Perceptions of wood as an infrastructure material were investigated within four distinct market segments and within five geographic regions of the Uni ted States. Wood was compared to steel, reinforced and prestressed concrete , aluminum, and plastic on six predetermined factor groups and by thirty ma terial attributes. The foremost factors in material choice decisions were d urability, maintenance, and cost. All infrastructure groups rated wood lowe r in overall material performance as compared to prestressed and reinforced concrete, steel, and aluminum. Only plastic was rated lower than wood in p erceived material performance.