Structural Theories &

Application
Building Structural System
(Timber)

Introduction

Wood is a natural resource that is widely available throughout the

world.
With proper management, there is a potential for an endless supply
of timber and other wood-based materials.
Due to the low energy required and the low pollution during
manufacture timber has a far less detrimental impact on the
environment than other building materials.
Timber is a live material. Its properties are anisotropic, they change
with changes in environmental conditions and load duration has
also a significant effect upon strength and deformation.
To be able to design timber structures successfully, the practicing
engineer needs to be aware of the particular properties of the
timber being specified.

Introduction

Benefits of Timber Framing:

1. Fast, efficient and cost effective
2. Flexible to add further extensions
3. Environmentally friendly
4. Hand crafted
5. Unique character
6. Buildings with an organic, natural, earthly
charm

Introduction

Timber building structure

Timber Framing
(Post & Beams
const.)

Roof
Structure

Timber as Structure

Timber as a structural material is similar to steel and both materials are

available in similar shapes and even jointing of timber or steel members,
respectively, is often comparable.
Table below shows an overview of similarities and differences regarding
steel and timber.

Timber as Structure

Timber members are particularly capable of acting as tension,

compression and bending members.
Compared to steel or concrete, the modulus of elasticity is low.
The texture and appearance of timber makes it very suitable
for use in visually exposed structures.
The combination of steel and timber often produces light and
competitive structures with timber as compression and steel as
tension members.
Most timber is found in buildings having a simple rectangular
form used, for example, in floor joists, rafters and other roof
components or for walls in timber framed housing, large
structures can be built economically in other forms such as
domes and examples exist spanning over 100 meters.

Timber Const.
Element

Vertic
al
- Post
- Wall stud

Horizont
al
- Beams
- Wall Plate

Timber (Load)

Instead of decorative purpose:

1. Transmit load.
2. Resist lateral forces
3. Support beams

Through :
Compressions
(Equilibrium, instability
& loads)

Axial Load

To determine strength of materials

F

Figure a: Cantilevered beams

An axial load is a force administered along the lines of
an axis.

Stress

COMPRESSIVE

Stress (Calculation)

Normal Stress,

= Force,

F
Area, A

Deflection

Cause by certain Force, into the structure.

Deflection

Degree where structural elements displaced.

Example 1: Cantilevered
Beam

Example 2: Both end supported

beam

Deflection
(Calculation)

Deflection
(Calculation)

Conclusion

Timber is a natural material the essential properties vary

considerably
Timber is a lightweight material with a high strength to weight
ratio.
The strength and stiffness properties of timber are highly
dependent on the angle between load and grain.
Timber is strong and stiff parallel to the grain whereas it is prone
to cleavage along the grain if tension stresses perpendicular to
the grain occur. It has a low shear strength and shear modulus.
Shrinkage and swelling have to be considered during the design
life of timber structures.
Timber acts well compositely with both steel and concrete.

References

URL
http://
research.ttlchiltern.co.uk/pif306/pages/durabili
tybeta1.1/durability%20beta%201.1/step/a05/a5.ht
m
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Column
http://www.engineeringcivil.com/what-is-the-stres
s-in-timber-beams.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deflection_(engineeri
ng
)
Books
C.J.Mettem, Structural Timber Design and


Thank
You