Why are lightweight steel bushings used in wooden structures?

Lightweight steel bushings are used in wooden structures primarily to prevent the wood from being crushed when bolts are tightened. When a bolt is secured through a wooden component, it can create localized pressure that may lead to damage or deformation of the wood. By incorporating steel bushings, the load is distributed more evenly around the bolt's shank, which reduces the risk of crushing the wood fibers. The bushings also serve to protect the integrity of the wood structure, allowing it to maintain its strength and durability over time, particularly in areas of high-stress attachment points.

Other options, while they may have some relevance to the use of structural components, do not directly address the primary function of bushings in this context. Enhanced decorative finishes, additional strength to attachment points, and ease of disassembly can be important considerations in construction, but they do not underscore the main purpose of using lightweight steel bushings in wooden structures. The focus remains on safeguarding the wood from damage during fastening processes.