Which of the following is a disadvantage of using wood as a structural material?

The choice of limited span lengths as a disadvantage of using wood as a structural material is accurate because wood does have inherent limitations when it comes to spanning distances. Unlike materials such as steel or concrete, which can support much longer spans due to their greater strength and stiffness, wood's structural properties compel it to be used in shorter lengths without additional supports or reinforcements. This limitation affects the design of structures, as architects and engineers must account for more frequent supports, resulting in potentially more complex designs and increased material usage for bracing or support systems.

In comparison to the other options, while it is true that heavy machinery is not typically required for the installation of wood, wood’s performance under compression can be quite effective depending on its type and orientation. Additionally, the cost of wood can vary and may not always be higher than that of other materials, especially when considering sustainability and local availability factors. Therefore, while wood offers many advantages, its limited span lengths are a significant consideration in structural design.