Economic impacts of material selection on check dam construction in Japan: An input–output analysis promoting timber use

• An extended input–output table compared the economic impacts of check dams. • Timber check dams yield 10% higher economic impact than concrete and steel dams. • Timber check dams can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and revitalize economies. • This study promotes the use of timber in civil engineering structures. Timber is an excellent eco-friendly alternative to concrete; however, the high costs associated with timber limits its application as a construction material. In this study, the economic impact of timber was evaluated as an added value to offset its high construction costs using check dams as target structures. The 2020 input–output table for Japan was used for the input–output analysis of the economic impact. An extended input–output table was developed to compare the economic impacts of timber, concrete, and steel check dam construction. Although the cost of timber check dam construction was approximately 2.0 and 1.7 times those of concrete and steel check dam construction, respectively, the economic impact ratios, which indicate the relative magnitude of economic impacts, were 2.04, 1.83, and 1.92 for timber, concrete, and steel, respectively. Timber check dam construction had an economic impact that was approximately 10% higher than those of concrete and steel check dam construction. In terms of eco-efficiency, timber check dams had approximately four and three times the effects of concrete and steel check dams, respectively. Although the construction costs of timber check dams are higher than those of concrete and steel check dams, timber construction can positively impact economies. The replacement of conventional concrete and steel check dams with timber check dams can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and revitalize economies. This study promotes the added value of timber and its broader utilization in civil engineering structures, supporting the development of forestry and timber industries.