AR 136:

STEEL DESIGN AND TIMBER

INTRODUCTION TO STEEL AND TIMBER
DESIGN
ENGR. VENSON R. CAI
1 2 3
Steel and Timber as Define a structure, Differentiate structural
structural material, structural elements, analysis and structural
physical properties and and structural design
mechanical testing connections
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, and
sometimes other elements. Because of its
high tensile strength and relatively low
cost, it is a major component used in
buildings, infrastructure, tools, ships,
automobiles, machines, appliances, and
weapons.
CLASSIFICATION OF STEEL

A. CARBON STEEL is dull and

matte in appearance and is
vulnerable to corrosion. Carbon
steel can contain other alloys, such
as manganese, silicon, and copper.
There are three main types of carbon
steel: low carbon steel, medium
carbon steel, and high carbon steel.
CLASSIFICATION OF STEEL

B. ALLOY STEELS are a

mixture of several metals,
including nickel, copper, and
aluminum. Alloy steels tend to
be cheaper and are used in
mechanical work, car parts,
pipelines, and motors.
CLASSIFICATION OF STEEL

C. STAINLESS STEELS are shiny, corrosion resistant, and

used in many products, including home appliances,
backsplashes, and cooking utensils. It has a low carbon content
Stainless steel contains the alloy chromium and can also include
nickel or molybdenum. Stainless steel is strong and can
withstand high temperatures. There are more than 100
grades of stainless steel, making it an extremely versatile
material that is customizable depending on your purpose.
CLASSIFICATION OF STEEL

D. TOOL STEELS are hard and

heat and scrape resistant. They
are named tool steels because
they are often used to make
metal tools, such as stamping,
cutting, and mold-making tools.
They are also commonly used to
make hammers.
PROPERTIES OF STEEL

Generally, steels are high tensile strength, low weight,

durable, ductile, and corrosive resistance. Physical
properties of steels depend on the percentage composition of
the constituent elements and the manufacturing process.
MECHANICAL TESTING OF STEEL

TENSION TEST - ASTM E8 on steel is

performed to determine the yield
strength, yield point, ultimate (tensile)
strength, elongation, and reduction of
area. Typically, the test is performed at
temperatures between 10°C and 35°C
(50°F to 95°F).
MECHANICAL TESTING OF STEEL

BEND TEST - Semi-guided bend test or

ASTM E290 evaluates the ability of steel,
or a weld, to resist cracking during
bending. The test is conducted by
bending the specimen through a specified
angle and to a specified inside radius of
curvature.
MECHANICAL TESTING OF STEEL

TORSION TEST - ASTM E143 is used

to determine the shear modulus of
structural materials. The shear modulus
is used in the design of members
subjected to torsion, such as rotating
shafts and helical compression springs.
MECHANICAL TESTING OF STEEL

HARDNESS TEST - One of the methods commonly used to

measure hardness of steel and other metals is the Rockwell
hardness test or ASTM E18. In this test the depth of penetration
of a diamond cone, or a steel ball, into the specimen is
determined under fixed conditions.
MECHANICAL TESTING OF STEEL

SPARKS TEST
 Timber is a hard and fibrous material derived from woods
and is the oldest known construction material. Unlike other
construction materials, timber is very sensitive to environment
PROPERTIES OF TIMBER

Generally, timber is renewable, durable, has good

insulating property, malleable, corrosive resistant, and
shock resistant. Also, some disadvantages of timber are
the following: flammable, decays due to moisture and
insect, volumetric instable.
CLASSIFICATION OF TIMBER

HARDWOODS – produced from broad leaf trees; grows

at slower rate, more durable and more expensive (i.e.
Mahogany)

SOFTWOODS – produced from conifer trees; fast growth

rate, poor durability and qualities, and relatively cheap
(i.e. pine trees)
CLASSIFICATION OF TIMBER

MANUFACTURES – manmade boards made by gluing

wood layers together; strong, stable and economical. (i.e.
plywood and hardboard)
MECHANICAL TEST OF TIMBER

ASTM D4761-13: Standard Test

Methods for Mechanical Properties
of Lumber and Wood-base structural
material (Wood Bending Test and
Compressive Test)
Hibbler, R. C. 2012. Structural Analysis. 8th Edition. Prentice
Hall: New Jersey.

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