Current state and enhancement opportunities for domestic codes and standards on wood treatment and protection in construction

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state and future prospects of the regulatory framework within the Russian Federation concerning the modification and protection of wood-based construction products. The relevance of this research is driven by the significant growth in wood construction volumes in Russia and the emergence of innovative materials requiring appropriate regulatory oversight. Through a systematic review of existing regulatory documents (GOST standards, Construction Codes – SP) across six key areas (fundamentals and classifications; modified wood; test methods for modified wood; protective agents; test methods for protective agents; protection and modification technologies), critical problems were identified: the obsolescence of a significant portion of standards (especially those from the 1970s-1990s), which fail to account for modern materials and environmental requirements; fragmentation and duplication of test methods leading to contradictions; incomplete coverage regarding innovations (nano-modified wood, bio-protective compounds, process automation); weak harmonization with international norms (ISO, EN, ASTM); and the labor intensity and duration of several test methods (especially biological ones). Pathways for improvement are proposed: prioritizing the updating or cancellation of outdated GOST standards; radical optimization and unification of test methods; development of new standards for innovative materials and technologies; active harmonization with the international regulatory framework; implementation of accelerated laboratory and instrumental control methods; and ensuring systemic interrelation of standards across all stages (materials  testing  technologies  design). The conclusion states that despite the substantial volume of the existing regulatory framework, large-scale modernization, structural optimization, and substantive additions to regulatory documents – with a focus on innovation and sustainability – are required to effectively regulate the dynamically developing market of wood construction materials and ensure the competitiveness of domestic products.

Affiliated Institutions

• Belgorod State Technological University RU
• Moscow State University of Civil Engineering RU
• Saint Petersburg State University of Cinema and Television RU

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