ENCI 427 – “Timber Structures”

Assignment 3: Multi-Storey Timber Building

(Group Project)

A new single storey structure has been proposed as part of the Christchurch City Rebuild. The client
has requested that the new building should mainly be constructed in timber. As the client wants to
maximise the potential use of the space inside the structure, it is expected that there will be no
internal columns/posts.

The structure is 28 m in width and 60 m in length. The height to the knee of the structure is 5 m and
the roof has a slope of 10°, giving an apex height of approximately 7.5 m above ground level. The
architect involved in the project has specified that the roof and the walls will be constructed from
relatively lightweight materials.

Wind load V500=45 m/s; V25=37 m/s

0.15kPa for the self-weight of roofing and purlins
Roof live load Q=0.25 kPa

Assignment 3a: Conceptual Design

 Make three conceptual designs of the building using different structural systems (portal frames,
trusses, arches, or other structural forms of your choice)
 For each concept design, provide a perspective 3D sketch showing the main structural members
and the bracing system.

Assignment 3b: Preliminary Portal Frame Design

 Assuming a two-pin portal frame option, perform a preliminary design and estimate sizes of
columns and rafters based on the portal frame design guide or by using rough calculations.
 Perform structural analysis on one piece of central portal frame and check the rafter strength
capacity under gravity load and wind load combinations. Assume purlin spacing is 1.8 m and
portal frame spacing is 6 m. (hint: consider beam stability factor K8 and check combined bending
and axial force).

Assignment 3c: Connection Design

 Detailed design for the knee joint (assuming column and rafter have the same cross section).

Due Date: 3rd June, 9:00am