TOS

3: UNIT 2B: WOODEN

STRUCTURES

Objectives:
1: To understand the versatility of wood as
a Material and study properties that affect
its strength Wooden
2:To understand the advantages of Beams
Wooden Structures
3: To understand the disadvantages of
wooden structures and to overcome them.
4: To study the parameters of Design of
Wooden Beams
5. To Design Rectangular Wooden Beams
6. To understand if holes and notches are
to be made in Wooden Beams then where
to make them.
7: To understand Primary and Secondary
beam construction.
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TOS 2b: Unit 2b: Wooden Structures:

Introduction: Wood has been used as a building material for thousands of years, being second only to stone
in terms of its rich history in the world of construction. The chemical properties of wood are inherently
complex, but in spite of this challenge human beings have successfully harnessed the unique characteristics of
wood to build a seemingly unlimited variety of structures. This exceptionally versatile material is commonly
used to build houses, shelters and boats, but it is also extensively used in the furniture and home decor
industry as well. Wood is an underestimated Structural Material in the Modern World as can be seen in the 8
pictures produced here.

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Wood is an organic cellular material. Absolutely dry wood weight is an index of the cell wall substance present
which is an indicator of the strength and finishing characteristics. Density of wood determines the changes in
the moisture content. Low cost of some varieties of Timber make it the preferred material for •Temporary
Structures •Formwork •Scaffolding
2b.I. Properties affecting Strength: The Strength of structural wood (many a times referred as Timber) depends
on natural characteristics like •Knots • Checks and Shakes • Slopes of grain • Specific Gravity •Moisture
Content
1. Knots: Knots are caused by the trunk of a tree growing around a limb (Branch).
 The appearance of a knot does not mean that the timber piece is inferior
 Knots affect the strength because the grains deviate from regular direction in passing around them and the
weakening effect is felt more in tension than in compression
 Knots have no effect on the Stiffness.
 In a simply supported beam a Knot on the lower side will affect the carrying capacity.
 In short or Intermediate columns Knots will reduce the strength in proportion to their sizes
 In Long Columns whose load carrying capacity is dependent on Stiffness, the knots have no effect.
2. Checks and Shakes: Lengthwise separation of wood is known as a check, occurring across rings of
annual growth. Separation along grain between annual growth rings is known as a Shake.
 Checks and Shakes reduce the resistance to Shear. The reduction in Shearing Strength is proportional to the
size of extent of Shakes or Checks

3. Slope of Grain: When the fibers of a wood are not parallel to the edge of the piece cross grains exists.
 Wood is least strong across the grains and hence slope of grain is important in Structural Timber
 Up to a slope of 1 in 10 Compressive Strength is not affected
 Modulus of Elasticity is affected at a slope of 1 in 15
 Shock Resistance decreases rapidly at a slope of 1 in 15
4. Rate of Growth: The cross section of a tree shows concentric rings and the number of rings per unit
width is an indication of the growth of the tree.
 For Structural Timber 5 rings per 20 mm width may be specified
5. Specific Gravity: The material of which the cell walls are composed of is called wood substance with a
specific gravity of 0.64. Being a Natural Material this differs from wood to wood
 The Strength of wood depends on its Specific Gravity
6. Moisture Content: After a tree is cut the wood begins to lose water till equilibrium with the
surrounding atmosphere (depending on temperature and relative humidity) is reached.
 As Moisture content (weight of water contained in wood expressed as percentage of oven dry weight) is
reduced increase in Strength Properties expected.
Some more terms associated with wood and their importance are noted below
1. Shrinkage is generally in the direction of annual growth rings and longitudinal shrinkage is negligible

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2. Heartwood (central portion of the Log) consists of inactive tissues giving strength to the tree trunk and
Sapwood (portion between Heartwood and Bark) is made up of Living Cells. Sapwood is permeable to
liquids and has to be treated for increasing resistance to •Decay •Insect Attack •Fire
3. Live and Dead Trees: Wood cut from trees killed by insects, fungi, wind or fire is good structurally
compared to “Cut Live Trees “. Those portions from these dead cut trees that are free from insects and
decay should be used.
4. Seasoning of Timber: To determine the Working Stresses in Timber the effect of seasoning and use
conditions is important to consider. Seasoning should not have a dimensional change on the Timber. The
moisture content of Structural Timber lies between the two limits of seasoned condition and unseasoned
condition. The values of working stresses are arrived at on the basis of unseasoned Timber.
5. Destructive Agencies: Engineering Materials are not absolutely permanent under all conditions of service
and use. Wood is also vulnerable to •Decay •Fire •Insects •Marine Borers •Mechanical Wear •Weathering
and •Chemical Resistance
 Decay: This is brought about by fungi which live on the wood substance. Constantly submerged parts of
piling in fresh water and foundation piles under buildings, do not decay if ground water level is constantly
higher than the top of the piles. To protect wood preservative treatment using Oil Preservatives or Oil
Borne Preservatives or Water borne preservatives should be used either with a pressure process or a non-
pressure process.
 Fire Resistance: Time Element is vital to the destruction of buildings by fire. Non-combustibility of material
is not the most important factor but collapse of structural members within due to heat so as not to allow a
person to enter or exit is vital. Wood Fire Resistance to improve slow burning properties of wood can be
improved by Sprinkler Systems. Fire resistance can also be improved by either impregnating wood with
some chemicals or coating the wood with a non-combustible paint.
 Chemical Resistance: Wood is resistant to chemicals like Organic Materials, Hot and Cold Solutions of
Acids, Neutral Salts and Dilute Acids and hence sometimes considered superior to other construction
material. Impregnation of Wood with Paraffin (for resistance to chemical solutions) and Resin forming
Material is widely acceptable.
2b.II. The Advantages of Wood as a Structural Material are as follows (Herewith I am not discussing any such
property which does not appeal to a Structural Engineer, these being many)
1. It is a natural resource, and also against other mining material can be grown making it readily available
and economically feasible. It is remarkably strong in relation to its weight, and it provides good insulation
from the cold.
2. Wood is highly machinable, and can be fabricated into all kinds of shapes and sizes to fit practically any
construction and structural need.
3. Wood is also the perfect example of an environmentally sustainable product; it is biodegradable and
renewable, and carries the lowest carbon footprint of any comparable building material. In addition, no
high-energy fossil fuels are required to produce wood, unlike other common building materials such as
brick, steel or plastic.
4. Wood has certain favorable properties, which give it an advantage in terms of its resistance to high
temperatures. Unlike steel, which can expand or even collapse in high heat, wood actually dries out and
becomes stronger as the heat increases.
5. Wood also contains highly-sought-after acoustic properties, making it good as a load bearing and at the
same time a panel material for Concert Halls.
6. An important characteristic of wood is its tensile strength, which is its ability to bend under pressure
without breaking. Wood is exceptionally light in proportion to its tensile strength, making it the preferred
construction choice for surfaces that take a constant beating such as basketball courts and bowling lanes.
Tensile strength is also one of the main reasons for choosing timber as a building material; its remarkably
strong qualities make it the perfect choice for heavy-duty building materials such as structural beams.

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7. Wood does not practically expand against heat (In comparison to steel). On the contrary, by the effect of
heat, it dries out and gains strength. The only time wood expands a little is when the humidity level is
below 0%, and this is only scientifically significant. In practice, the humidity level of wood does not drop
under 5% even in the driest climate.
8. Wood is a decorative material when considered as an aesthetic material. Each tree has its own color,
design and smell. The design of a tree does change according to the way it is sliced. It is possible to find
different wooden materials according to color and design preference. It can be painted to darker colors of
varnished, and can be given bright or mat touches.
9. Wood is a Durable Material but generally assumed that it is perishable and therefore only suitable for
temporary structures. This cannot be true as is evidenced from century old timber built structures and
bridges. Wood if properly protected from attack by fungi, insects, borers does not change its strength and
properties with time. If years of satisfactory service are a measure of permanence No other Material is
more permanent than Timber.

2b.III. Disadvantages of Wooden Structures: There are a few disadvantages but they are easy to disregard, and
eliminate as long as the cause is known
1. Shrinkage and Swelling of Wood: Wood is a hygroscopic material. This means that it will adsorb
surrounding condensable vapors and loose moisture to air below the fiber saturation point.
2. Deterioration of Wood: Wood can have biotic degradation (mold fungi, bacteria and insects) and
Abiotic degradation (Sun, wind, water, certain chemicals and fire).
3. Wood easily catches fire. Wood consists of organic compounds which are composed mainly of carbon
and hydrogen. They can combine with oxygen and burns. When combined with oxygen and a
temperature between 250 and 270 degrees Celsius, wood can start to burn even without a flame.
Wood is classified as a combustible material because of these properties.
 Chemical materials, especially extractives in woods structure cause the burning point to change. Fire
resistance can also be improved by either impregnating wood with some chemicals or coating the
wood with a non-combustible paint
 Using thick wood as a structural element is another way of extension of burning point. Outer surface
burns and turns into charcoal. Charcoal, which forms on the surface of wood as it burns, is a very
effective heat insulator. Therefore large timbers burn very slowly. In addition to this, wood is very
good heat insulator too.
The life of a Timber Structure is long if maintained either dry or wet continuously

2b.IV. Wood as a Structural Material – Timber Beams

Structural Properties of Wood
1. Directional Properties: Strength parallel to the grain in compression is 5 to 10 times that at right angles.
This ratio is higher in tension. The modulus of elasticity parallel to the grain is 100 times that at right
angles to the grain.

th th
2. Bending: Timber is 1/12 the density of steel and has about 1/10 the strength of steel. Hence by weight
it is stronger of the two. Bending strength is lower in deep beams than shallow beams.

3. Modulus of Elasticity: The Modulus of Elasticity is not affected by Drying

4. Axial Tension: Timber is strong in Tension parallel to the grains.

5. Shear: The Shearing Stress increases at base of Shakes, Checks, and where there is sudden change of
cross-section. As Shear stresses in Beams are not much in the central portion, notches in the central
portion will not have much effect on the design of Shear but will affect Bending Stresses.

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6. Working Stresses: These are as per the following Table.

Density at Shear
Modulus of
12% Bending and Tension Parallel along Compression parallel to Grain Compression Perpendicular to
Name Elasticity in
Moisture to Grain in N/mm² Grain in in N/mm² Grain in N/mm²
N/mm²
in kN/m³ N/mm²

Inside Outside Wet Inside Outside Wet Inside Outside Wet

Babul 7.7 10.59 x 10³ 17.86 15.11 12.16 2.16 10.99 10.01 7.85 6.38 4.91 4.02

Deodar 5.34 9.32 x 10³ 10.01 8.63 6.87 0.98 7.65 6.87 5.49 2.55 2.06 1.67

Mango 6.76 8.93 x 10³ 12.16 10.01 7.85 1.37 7.26 6.47 5.1 3.04 2.35 1.86
Indian
Oak 8.48 12.26 x 10³ 14.52 12.16 9.61 1.67 9.03 7.85 6.47 4.41 3.43 2.84

Sal 8.48 12.46 x 10³ 16.48 13.73 10.98 1.28 10.4 9.22 7.65 4.41 3.43 2.84

Teak 6.27 9.42 x 10³ 13.73 11.38 9.22 1.37 8.63 7.65 6.28 3.92 3.04 2.4

7. Timber Beams:
A. Bending in Timber is based on the Flexural Formula and based on the following.
1. Plane Section Remains Plain After Bending
2. The Stresses are within Elastic Limit
3. Young’s Modulus is same for Tension and Compression
Tests have shown that Timber does behave like a homogenous material and has almost equal capabilities in
compression and tension.
B. Form Factor: In a deep Beam the stress decrease from the outer most fiber towards the neutral axis is less
than in a shallow beam. The carrying capacity of a Deep Rectangular Beam is less. The Form Factor K is
applied for rectangular Beams greater in depth than 300mm.
²
0.81 Where D = Depth of the Beam in mm to be applied to the stress value
²
Different Types of Wooden Sections may have different Form Factors which are also based on the shape of the
section and may have values lesser than 1 or greater than 1. E.g. for square sections where the load is in the
direction of the girder the form factor shall be taken as 1.414

C. Effective Span: Least of the Following for Simple Supported Beams

1. Centre to Centre between supports or
2. Clear span + Half of Required Bearing at each end
And Centre to Centre between Supports for Continuous Beams
Effective Span to be considered from Face of Support to Free End for Cantilever

D. Width: The minimum width of a beam shall be greater of the following

1. 50mm
2. 1/50 of the Span

E. Depth: The depth of the Beam shall not be greater than three times the width without Lateral Stiffening

F. Lateral Restraint: All beams with depth more than 3 times the width and span more than 50 times the
depth shall be laterally restrained from twisting and buckling and the distance between such restraints
shall not exceed 50 times the width

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2b.V. Design of Rectangular Timber Beams. (in W.S.M)

Analysis: A wooden Beam is a Flexural Member Subjected to •Bending Moment •Shear and •Deflection
So we need to see that the Bending Stress, Shear Stress and Deflection should not exceed the permissible or
allowable limits. Accordingly first we have to estimate the load to which the beam is subjected, calculate
B.Mmax, S.F.max and choose a size so that these stresses are not exceeded. Then check for Deflection.
1. Draw a representative plan and section for calculating load on the wooden Beam.
2. Calculate load on the beam. For Self Weight one can assume 0.5kN/m to 1kN/m

3. Calculate Span Effective = Le 1. Le = Clear Span + ½ Support for S.S. and 2. Le = Overhang for Cantilever
4. Draw a Load Diagram and calculate
2 2
a. B.Mmax = M = wl /8 For S.S with an u.d.l. and wl /2 for cantilever with an u.d.l
b. S.Fmax = V = wl/2 For S.S with an u.d.l. and wl for cantilever with an u.d.l
c. Allowable Deflection as per the following
 Allowable Deflection = Span/360 for beams supporting brittle material like gypsum ceilings.
 Allowable Deflection = Span/240 for other simple supported beams.
 Allowable Deflection = Span/180 for cantilever beams.

5. Design for Bending Stress: Assume some relation between b and d i.e. width and depth of the beam or
b = some value and calculate Z = bd²/6 Z = Section Modulus taught in TOS 2, then
M=σ z or Z = M / σ
M= Bending Moment Maximum, σ= permissible Bending Stress in Compression and Tension.
This will give us the sectional size of the beam in b x d
For this b x d we will have to carry out two checks, one for Shear and one for Deflection.

6. Check for Shear:

Find Actual Shear Stress = .

If the Actual Shear Stress is < than the permissible Shear Stress then the Section is Safe for Shear.

7. Check for Deflection:

4 4
Actual Deflection = 5wl /384 EI for S.S with full u.d.l and Actual Deflection = wl /8 EI for Cantilever
If Actual Deflection is < Allowable Deflection, then the Section is Safe for Deflection
Adopt the Section (If beams are greater in depth than 300mm they will have to be checked for form factor,
however not included in our syllabus)

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Problems:
Problem 1 A room of size 9.7m x 3.5m with 230 thick walls on all four sides is to be provided with a loft
made of Block Boards 50mm thick to be supported on timber joists 3 in number (2.44m center to
center) along the shorter span. The Block Boards are to be finished with 12mm thick timber
flooring slats. Design the middle Timber Beam Considering Indian Oak as the type of Timber and
Live Load for an Office Building. Let d = 3b. d = depth of the beam, b = width of the beam
(The obvious question is why the timber Joists placed at such an odd figure of 2.44m centre to centre.
Well I Chose a Block Board of Size 2.44m x 1.22m x 50mm thick to make my loft. So the following are the
construction details in plan and Section. The Timber Beams support the Block Boards and spaced as per
the size available or chosen best for the size of the room. The End Span along length and width is slight
smaller. However this is the designer’s discretion but let us stick to the plan and section shown below)
Solution:
Before we begin to solve lets write down the properties of Indian Oak
 Density 8.48 kN/m³
 Modulus of Elasticity = 12.26 x 10³N/mm² = E
 Permissible Stress in Compression and Tension for Inside Condition = 14.52N/mm² = σ
 Permissible Shear Stress = 1.67N/mm²
 Z = bd²/6 = b x (3b)²/6 = 9b³/6 = 1.5b³
1. Representative Plan and Section

As can be easily seen an intermediate Beam takes the half load of flooring and live load from each side, so of a
distance of 2.44m. We have already calculated load per running m in TOS 1, we will now do so for 2.44m

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2 Calculate Loading on The Beam
m x m x kN/m³
Floor Slab = 2.44 x 0.05 x 8.48 = 1.03 kN/m
Finish Load = 2.44 x 0.012 x 8.48 = 0.25 kN/m
Live Load = 4 x 2.44 kN/m² = 9.76 kN/m
Self Weight = 0.50 kN/m
Total Load = 11.54 kN/m
w ≈ 12 kN/m
3 Calculate Effective Span = Le
Effective Span = L + Bearing = L = 3.5 + 0.230 = 3.73 m
(For S.S) Le = 3.73 m
4 Calculate Design Parameters, B.Mmax, S.Fmax, Allowabe Deflection
2 2
4.1 Bending Moment Max = w x Le = 12 x 3.73 = 20.9 kNm
8 8 6
B.Mmax = M = 20.9 x 10 Nmm

4.2 Shear Force Max = w x Le = 12 x 3.73 = 22.4 kN

2 2 3
S.Fmax = 22.4 x 10 N

4.3 Allowable Deflection = Effective Span 3730

240
=
240 = 15.54
Allowable Deflection = 15.54 mm
5 Design for Flexure i.e B.Mmax or M
2 2
M b x d b x 3 x b
Z = Z = =
σ 6 6
3
d = 3 x b Hence Z = 1.5 x b mm³

σ = Permissible Bending Stess in Compression and Tension σ = 14.52 N/mm²

3 6
1.5 x b = x20.9
10 b = 98.59 b ≈ 100 mm
14.52 d = 3 x b d = 300 mm
b is maximum of the following 1 100 mm
2 50 mm
3 74.6 mm (Span/50) = 3730 ÷ 50
6 Check For Shear Stress
3
Actual Shear Stress = 3 x S.Fmax 3 x 22.4 x 10
=
2 x b x d 2 x 100 x 300
Permi s s ibl e Shea r Stress = 1.67 N./mm² = 1.12 < 1.67 N/mm²
(Permissible Shear Stess)
Hence Safe for Shear
7 Check for Deflection
4
w = 12 kN/m = 12 N/mm Actual 5 x w x Le
Deflection =
Le = 3.73 m = 3730 mm 384 x E x I
3 Max = Δ
E = 12.3 x 10 N/mm² 4
3 5 x 12 x 3730
I = 100 x 300 Δ = 3 6
12 384 x 12.26 x 10 x 225 x 10
= 225000000 mm⁴
6 Δ = <
10.96 mm
15.54 mm (Allowable Δ)
I = 225 x 10 mm⁴ Hence Safe for Allowable Deflection
Answer: Size of Section = 100 mm x 300 mm
As Depth < 300 mm The Beam Will Not Have To Be Checked for Form Factor

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Problem 2 A balcony is to be constructed for an office building using timber joists spaced at 1.83m center to
center cantilevering out for a span of 1.22m. Size of Block Board is 1.83m x 1.22m x 32mm thick.
The joists support a flooring of total dead load 2.5kN/m². Design the beam for the following.
• Take d = 2.5b
• Type of Wood – Teak Wood, Density-6.27kN/m³, E = 9.42 x 10³N/mm²
• Permissible Bending Stress for outside location – 11.38 N/mm²
• Permissible Shear Stress – 1.37 N/mm²
• Allowable Deflection – Span/180
• Take Live Load as 4kN/m²
Solution: Since all values are given we need not repeat them here
Z = bd²/6 = b x (2.5b)²/6 = 1.041b³
1. Representative Plan and Section:

2 Calculate Loading on The Beam

m x m x kN/m³
Floor Slab = 1.83 x 0.032 x 6.27 = 0.37 kN/m
Finish Load = 1.83 x 2.5 kN/m² = 4.58 kN/m
Live Load = 4 x 1.83 kN/m² = 7.32 kN/m
Self Weight = 0.50 kN/m
Total Load = 12.76 kN/m
w ≈ 13 kN/m
3 Calculate Effective Span = Le
Effective Span = L + 0 = L = 1.22 + 0.000 = 1.22 m
(For Cantilever) Le = 1.22 m
4 Calculate Design Parameters, B.Mmax, S.Fmax, Allowabe Deflection
2 2
4.1 Bending Moment Max = w x Le = 13 x 1.22 = 9.67 kNm
2 2 6
B.Mmax = M = 9.67 x 10 Nmm

4.2 Shear Force Max = w x Le = 13 x 1.22 = 15.9 kN

1 1 3
S.Fmax = 15.9 x 10 N

4.3 Allowable Deflection = Effective Span 1220

= = 6.78
180 180
Allowable Deflection = 6.78 mm
Notice that the formula For B.Mmax, S.Fmax are for cantilever with full u.d.l

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5 Design for Flexure i.e B.Mmax or M

2 2
M b x d b x 2.5 x b
Z = Z = =
σ 6 6
3
d = 2.5 x b Hence Z = 1.04 x b mm³

σ = Permissible Bending Stess in Compression and Tension σ = 11.38 N/mm²

3 6
1.04 x b = 9.67
x 10 b = 93.45 b ≈ 95 mm
11.38 d = 2.5 x b d ≈ 240 mm
b is maximum of the following 1 95 mm
2 50 mm
3 24.4 mm (Span/50) = 1220 ÷ 50
6 Check For Shear Stress
3
Actual Shear Stress = 3 x S.Fmax 3 x 15.9 x 10
=
2 x b x d 2 x 95 x 240
Permi s s ibl e Shea r Stress = 1.37 N./mm² = 1.04 < 1.37 N/mm²
(Permissible Shear Stess)
Hence Safe for Shear
7 Check for Deflection
4
w = 13 kN/m = 13 N/mm Actual 1 x w x Le
Deflection =
Le = 1.22 m = 1220 mm 8 x E x I
3 Max = Δ
E = 9.42 x 10 N/mm² 4
3 1 x 13 x 1220
I = 95 x 240 Δ = 3 6
12 8 x 9.42 x 10 x 109 x 10
= 109440000 mm⁴
6 Δ =
3.49 mm < 6.78 mm (Allowable Δ)
I = 109 x 10 mm⁴ Hence Safe for Allowable Deflection
Answer: Size of Section = 95 mm x 240 mm
As Depth < 300 mm The Beam Will Not Have To Be Checked for Form Factor

2b.VI. Some Important Points on Construction of Timber Beams

1. Notches and Holes: Beams will not be cut, notched or holed unless local stresses are calculated and
found within permissible limits.
th
 Notches not more than 1/5th of the depth and at distances not more than 1/6 of Span from the
support shall be made.
th
 Holes not more than 1/4 of the depth can be drilled at the center of the beam.
2. Bearing:
 The ends of the flexural members shall be supported in recesses which provide adequate ventilation
to prevent dry rot.
 The ends shall not be enclosed. The length of bearing shall not be less than 75mm.
2b.VII. Primary and Secondary Beams.
Let us say we have the following situation.
A Restaurant Room of size 14.4m X 4.8m is to be provided a mezzanine floor using Block Board Finished with
8mm wood flooring. The Bock Boards to be used are of size 2.44 x 1.22m and are 32mm thick.
Solution 1. We could provide Beams across the 4.8m span. These Beams could be spaced at either 1.22 c/c or
2.44m c/c If were to provide at 2.4m c/c the Block Board of 32mm would span across 2.44 and could have

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excessive deflection. On the other hand providing at 1.22m centre to centre would have too many beams
but could be a solution. After similar calculations like last two problems Size of Beam is 100mm x 300mm,

5.26m long x 12 numbers (length is considering 0.23m bearing) and required number of beams are 12)

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Solution 2. We could have primary beams across the 4.8m span 2.44m c/c and have secondary beams
spanning across this 2.44m spaced at 1.22m c/c. So Block Boards are spanned across 1.22m c/c which are
supported on secondary beams spanning 2.44m c/c supported on primary beams spanning 4.8m
supported on the brick walls. The plan and section would be as follows. (Symmetry has been maintained
on all four sides).
Size of secondary Beams is 65mm x195mm and 2.67m long 18 numbers.
Size of primary Beams is130mm x 390mm x 5.26m long x 5number

Problem 3 A balcony of 1.5m cantilever is to be constructed using wooden cantilever beams, 1.2m c/c
supporting R.C.C. Slab 80mm Thick, with standard floor finish. Design the wooden beam for
Flexure only.
 Type of Wood – Teak Wood, for beam, planks and flooring, Density-6.27kN/m³
 Permissible Bending Stress for outside location – 11.38 N/mm²
 E= 9.42 x 10³ N/mm², Take d = 3b, Take live load as 4kN/m².
Solution:
1. Since all values are given we need not repeat them here. Also Shear and Deflection are not
expected
2 Calculate Loading on The Beam
m x m x kN/m³
Floor Slab = 1.2 x 0.08 x 25 = 2.40 kN/m
Finish Load = 1.2 x 1.25 kN/m² = 1.50 kN/m
Live Load = 4 x 1.2 kN/m² = 4.80 kN/m
Self Weight = 0.50 kN/m
Total Load = 9.20 kN/m
w ≈ 10 kN/m
3 Calculate Effective Span = Le
Effective Span = L + 0 = L = 1.5 + 0.000 = 1.5 m
(For Cantilever) Le = 1.5 m
4 Calculate Design Parameters, B.Mmax, S.Fmax, Allowabe Deflection
2 2
4.1 Bending Moment Max = w x Le = 10 x 1.5 = 11.3 kNm
2 2 6
B.Mmax = M = 11.3 x 10 Nmm

5 Design for Flexure i.e B.Mmax or M

2 2
M b x d b x 3 x b
Z = Z = =
σ 6 6
3
d = 3 x b Hence Z = 1.5 x b mm³

σ = Permissible Bending Stess in Compression and Tension σ = 11.38 N/mm²

3 6
1.5 x b = 11.3 x 10 b = 87.02 b ≈ 90 mm
11.38 d = 3 x b d = 270 mm
b is maximum of the following 1 90 mm
2 50 mm
3 30 mm (Span/50) = 1500 ÷ 50

Size of Beam is 90mm x 270mm. Check for Deflection and Shear not carried out as problem asked to design
for Bending Only

TOS 3 Unit 2b Wooden Structures Compiled By Ar. Arthur Cutinho

 44

Problem 4 Design a Timber Beam to take a load of 15kN/m over a Simply Supported effective span of 4.56m
considering the following. Check for Shear Only.
• Take d = 2b
• Permissible Bending Stress for inside location – 12.16 N/mm²
• Permissible Shear Stress – 1.37 N/mm²
• E= 8.93 x 10³N/mm²
Solution:
1. The Load is given so we need not calculate the load and shall go directly to B.Mmax and S.Fmax
Calculations. We shall also not be checking for Deflection as we have been asked to only to check for
Shear.
Le = 4.56m,
w = 9kN/m,
As d = 2b, Z = bd²/6 = b x (2b)²/6 = 0.67b³/6
2 Calculate Design Parameters, B.Mmax, S.Fmax, Allowabe Deflection
2 2
4.1 Bending Moment Max = w x Le = 15 x 4.56 = 39 kNm
8 8 6
B.Mmax = M = 39.0 x 10 Nmm

4.2 Shear Force Max = w x Le = 15 x 4.56 = 34.2 kN

2 2 3
S.Fmax = 34.2 x 10 N
3 Design for Flexure i.e B.Mmax or M
2 2
M b x d b x 2 x b
Z = Z = =
σ 6 6
3
d = 2 x b Hence Z = 0.67 x b mm³

σ = Permissible Bending Stess in Compression and Tension σ = 12.16 N/mm²

3 6
0.67 x b = 39x 10 b = 168.8 b ≈ 170 mm
12.16 d = 2 x b d = 340 mm
b is maximum of the following 1 170 mm
2 50 mm
3 95.8 mm (Span/50) = 4560 ÷ 50
4 Check For Shear Stress
3
Actual Shear Stress = 3 x S.Fmax 3 x 34.2 x 10
=
2 x b x d 2 x 170 x 340
Permi s s ibl e Shea r Stress = 1.37 N./mm² = 0.89 < 1.37 N/mm²
(Permissible Shear Stess)
Hence Safe for Shear
Answer: Size of Section = 170 mm x 340 mm
As Depth > 300 mm The Beam Will Have To Be Checked for Form Factor

Theory Notes on Wood Compiled with the help of Design, Analysis and Details of Steel
Structures & Timber Structures by V.N.Vazirani, Dr. M.M.Ratwani

TOS 3 Unit 2b Wooden Structures Compiled By Ar. Arthur Cutinho

 45

Suggested Theory Questions: TOS 3: UNIT 2b: WOODEN STRUCTURES

1 Explain the structural properties of Timber w.r.t the following
a Checks and Shakes
b Knots
c Slope of Grain
d Moisture Content
e Heart Wood and Sapwood/ Live Trees and Dead Trees
f Fire Resistance

2 What are the advantages of Timber as a structural Material w.r.t

1 Tensile Strength
2 Decorative Material
3 Acoustic Material
4 Natural Material
5 Durability
6 Thermal Resistance

3 Explain the following disadvantages of Timber as a Structural Material and how to over-come the same
1 Shrinkage of Wood
2 Deterioration
3 Fire Resistance

4 Explain the design of a Timber Beam w.r.t the following points

1 Minimum Width
2 Lateral Restraint
3 Notches and Holes
4 Bearing
5 Form Factors

Problem for Solving: A hall of 11.5m x 5.1m with 230thk brick walls is to be provided a mezzanine
floor using 50mm flush doors topped with 18mm thk wooden floor boards supported on timber
beams across the 5.1m span, 4 intermediate beams dividing the 11.5m span into 5 equal parts of
2.3m each. Design the timber beams considering the following
 Take d = 2.5b
 Type of Wood – Mango, for beams and flooring Density-6.76kN/m³
 Permissible Bending Stress for inside location – 12.16 N/mm²
 Permissible Shear Stress – 1.37 N/mm²
 Allowable Deflection – Span/240
 Take live load as 5kN/m²
 E= 8.93 x 10³N/mm²
 Ignore Form Factor.
.

TOS 3 Unit 2b Wooden Structures Compiled By Ar. Arthur Cutinho