MATERIALS – MODULES Timber
Systems
Timber construction systems
Overview
Fig. 39: Timber-frame construction
Timber frame construction
This traditional method of building with timber, seldom
used today, is based on a relatively small module with
diagonal braces in the plane of the walls. We see the first
signs of prefabrication in this form of construction. The
loadbearing and separating functions are united in the
same plane within the wall. Assembly of the individual
pieces takes place on site storey by storey. The spacing
between the individual vertical members depends on the
loadbearing capacity of the timber sections which, prior
to industrialisation, were cut to size with simple means
(saws, axes). The individual connections are not highly
stressed and can be in the form of true wood joints (e.g.
tenons, halving joints, oblique dados). Vertical loads are
transferred directly via the contact faces between the vari-
ous timber members.
As the cross-sections of the members are often not
derived from a structural analysis, in older timber-frame
buildings they tend to be too large and hence uneconomic,
or are an inevitable consequence of the usually consider-
able weakening of the cross-section at the joints. Today,
mechanical fasteners are therefore preferred in order to
achieve a more economic sizing of the sections.
The infill panels of historical timber-frame buildings
are usually of cob, wattle and daub or clay bricks, with
masonry and render in later buildings. Today, the infilling
is usually insulating materials with a weatherproof clad-
ding.
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Fig. 40: Balloon frame construction, timber stud construction
Balloon frame construction,
timber stud construction
The balloon frame system widespread in America con-
sists of closely spaced squared sections of standard sizes
based on a “2 x 8 inch” module (roughly 5 x 20 cm).
When, as a result of a structural analysis, larger cross-
sections are called for, these are made by simply nailing
several smaller squared sections together. This timber
stud construction is nailed together on site and usually
extends over two or more storeys. Stability is assured by
solid timber boarding or wood-based panels attached di-
agonally.
The simplicity of the system, in which additional mem-
bers are often simply nailed to the main framework as
required, enables rapid erection with unskilled labour,
despite minimum prefabrication. The system is also char-
acterised by a great degree of design freedom regarding
plan layout, volume and positioning of openings. Indeed,
openings can even be “cut out” subsequently because the
construction is oversized. However, this oversizing is a dis-
advantage compared to newer systems because it leads
to high material consumption.
In Europe timber stud construction is the equivalent
of the American balloon frame. Timber stud construction
also uses closely spaced squared sections of standard
sizes extending over two or more storeys. However, there
is less standardisation and the connections are not limited
to nailing as in the balloon frame – tenons and halving
joints are also used. Another aim is a more economic use
of material.