Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur

CONSTRUCTION - VI THEORY TASK - I

ASSIGNMENT 1
TIMBER ENGINEERING

SECTION B: GROUP – 1

Mayuri BA19ARC050 Sindhuja BA19ARC068

Shivani BA19ARC051 Pallavi Anilkumar BA19ARC078
Muskaan BA19ARC052 Kusum G BA19ARC083
Akhil Vinayak BA19ARC059 Gnana Priyanka BA19ARC085
Navami Nair BA19ARC063 Manoja BA19ARC087 1
 CONTENTS :
[Link]: TOPICS PAGE NO.

1. Introduction 3

2. Historical background 4

3. Short length timber 6

4. Joinery in Short length timber 10

5. Lamella roofing 15

6. Bowstring truss 20

7. Portal frame 24

8. Solid beams 29

9. Wood beams 31

10 Box beam 34

11. Web beam 36

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 INTRODUCTION :

Timber is a structural material which has excellent strength and stiffness.

Large spans structures should ideally be designed so that they work primarily in tension
and/or compression.

It is said that both the specific strength and stiffness in tension and/or compression
parallel to the grain of timber are very similar to that of a mild steel.
For this reason, timber is a material which is particularly appropriate for large span
structures. As spans becomes longer, a number of problems arises.

Timber is one of the earliest materials to be used for structural purpose. Timber
construction usually done with the help of a framework of structural timber.

For example, as compression members gets longer, buckling begins to be an issue.

Moreover, most likely large-span structures will be made of several members, which
must be prevented from coming apart at the joints. Also, suitable joints will be able to
resist either large compression and tension forces.

Timber has a low weight in relation to strength, which makes it easier for
transportation and production.

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 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND :
Conceivably, bridges are the first examples of man-made large-span timber structures. The need of overcoming obstacles such as
rivers or valleys, has always challenged the humans to find suitable structures that could span over considerable distances. Until the
first half of the 19th century, wood was basically the only material available for such a purpose.

Among the most eminent examples of this type of structures, built between the sixteenth and nineteenth century, the following
bridges can be mentioned:

1. The bridges of Andrea Palladio (XVI century), the great architect/engineer of the Italian Renaissance. One of his most
representative examples is the bridge of Bassano del Grappa, later renamed "Ponte degli Alpini".
2. The works of two talented Swiss carpenters, the brothers Johannes and Hans-Ulrich Grubenmann who built wooden bridges
with spans never seen before. One of their most famous masterwork is the bridge over the Rhine River in Schaffhausen built
1755 - 1758, Switzerland, Length: 120m, in two spans.

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 Timber structures with very large spans have been constructed over the past 30-40
years. Two representative examples are shortly described below:

1. The Superior Dome, the world’s largest wooden dome. It is a stadium on the
campus of Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan, USA. It has a
diameter of 163 m and a height (rise) of 49 m. The structure is a geodesic dome
with glulam ribs made of douglas fir.

2. The Viking ship in Hamar, Norway, built for the Olympic games in Lillehammer in
1994. To shape the arena, the architects were inspired by the “Oselver”, a type of
ship that has been built in Norway for a thousand years. The structure - which was
designed for a ground snow load of 3.5 kN/m2 - consists of a number of parallel
three-hinged trussed arches with the largest span of 96.4m. In order to give the
shape of the boat to the roof, a dorsal arch has been added. This arch has mainly an
aesthetical purpose and is supported by the other arches.

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WHY TIMBER ?

● Timber is one of the few natural, renewable building

materials.

● Building with timber can reduce total project costs when

compared to traditional materials such as concrete.

● Timber lends itself to a higher degree of

prefabrication over concrete, and which has
simpler connections and detailing, fewer interior
works and no waste.

● The accelerated construction process delivers

substantial savings, as well as bringing buildings
into use much sooner, bringing forward the return
on investment.

● With timber weighing a fifth of concrete, the

need for secondary steelwork is significantly
reduced or removed, and foundation loads
can be reduced by around 30-45%.

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 SHORT LENGTH TIMBER

➢ Short length timber is obtained from the core part of a well

seasoned wood. (Because of the mechanisms of secondary
growth , the oldest part of the trees is in the centre of the trunk).

➢ The timber for construction is available in standard lengths of :

0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 M , This is another reason , why the timber is
called Short length timber.

➢ As the length is standardized , the techniques of joining the

timber in construction , play an important role in design.

➢ Basic joints are done with fasteners, bindings or adhesives while

some use only wood elements.

➢ By combining engineered strength with the warmth and beauty

of wood, structural glued laminated timber (glulam) offers a
multitude of options for large ,open spaces with minimum
number of columns.

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 Characteristics :
● The product of timber cut into boards is referred as lumbers
● [Link] of one piece is 2M.
● Thoroughly seasoned
● Life can be increased by chemical preservation.
● Special nailing and fastening techniques
● Less carpentry work with simple techniques of joinery
● More salvage value for resold timber

CLASSIFICATIONS :

❖ According to Structural System and detailing-

➢ Single layer system
➢ Double layer system
➢ Laminated or multilayer type
➢ Boxing ● Lengths available : 1200 , 1500 , 1800 , 2000 mm
● Width available : 100 , 120 , 150 mm
● Thickness available : 20 , 25 , 40 , 50 mm

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USAGE OF SHORT LENGTH TIMBER
[SLT] :

1. Temporary Structures :

● SLTs furnitures , scaffolding shoring , sheet piles etc.

● Exhibition structures
● Emergency dwelling
● Ancillary buildings

2. Permanent Structures : Long Span Structures

● Framed types
a. Lamella roof
b. Truss (Bow string)

● Laminated type
a. Portals
b. Girders
c. Boxes
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 SHORT LENGTH TIMBER JOINTS :

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 BOLTED FLITCH BEAM FABRICATION
● They can be used to reinforce aged lumber supports,
or for aesthetic purposes, where exposed beams with
the appearance of wood and the strength of steel are
required.

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 DIFFERENT TYPES OF
CONNECTORS

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 DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONNECTORS

SLIP RING AND SHEAR PLATE CONNECTORS JOINT

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 LAMELLA ROOFING :
What is lamella?
A thin layer or membrane.

● The lamella roof is a curved roof having a circular cylindrical

surface.

● It is formed by a system of intersecting skewed arches made up

of relatively short members called lamellas.

● These lamellas are bevelled and bored at ends and bolted

together at an angle forming a network of wooden planks ,
commonly called diamonds, resulting in a roof structure
capable if covering wide spans without any intermediate
supports.

● Each lamella is two bays in length and overlapping the adjacent

lamella to form a continuous grillage.

● It also known as the "Zollinger roof"

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 CONSTRUCTION OF LAMELLA ROOFING-
-First the load bearing walls are constructed with 350mm thickness .
-Bressumer, a long member of 150mm x 200mm is provided running over wall length.
-Short length timber lamella having saw mill texture is used and they have wedge end on
both side with preservative coat.
-A movable centering on 1m gauss rails on which short length timber positions are provided.
-Lamella is carefully jointed with bressumer with special wooden block.

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 CHARACTERISTICS-

-During fire , only the part is affected and the whole roof
does not collapse.
-Cost of construction is less.
-Due to its rectangular voids or coffers, it has good
acoustical properties.
-The roof is evenly distributed over the span.
-The wooden block is used to maintain the angles between
Lamellas.
-The slope of roofs is between 22 to 42 degrees

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 ADVANTAGES:

➢ Cheap in construction. No catenary work of short length timber

is used.

➢ No super skilled labour is required.

➢ Trusses can be made on ground and lifted above to place in

position.

➢ They can be dismantled after use in case of temporary structure

and all S.L.T. can be sold to recover 40%.

➢ There is no painting required, just a coat of chemical is used to

protect from insects.

DISADVANTAGES

➢ The volume between truss can not

be used.

➢ No safety against fire.

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 HALE COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

LOCATION: USA

● Four Rural studio architecture Students

designed and built the animal shelter as part of
their thesis project. The roof structure is a
lamella system that uses off-the-shelf timber
to construct a large span.

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 ● The open-ended design of the building allows a steady
flow of air, ventilation, and natural light.

● The outer wall of the building is raised off the ground

using custom-designed steel legs anchored to concrete
footings which allows additional ventilation.

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 BOWSTRING TRUSSES
● Bowstring trusses were a popular solution for structurally
supporting roofs from the 1900s through the 1950s,
especially in buildings where large, open spans were
desired (manufacturing facilities, garages, warehouses,
among others).
● Many buildings with this type of roof support are still in
service today; given their age and inherent vulnerability
(e.g., to environmental, load, and other factors), their
adequacy and reliability have become a common reason
for concern.
The bowstring truss, also known as the
arched rib truss utilizes similar
components to other truss systems such as
the use of a top chord, bottom chord,
struts, and ties.

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 STRUCTURAL DETAIL
● Bowstring trusses typically feature a parabolically shaped top chord constructed of several wood elements
(laminations) mechanically connected through the depth of the member.
● The bottom chord is often constructed of straight timber members with bolted splices.
● Both the top and bottom chords consist of two parallel members separated by a gap.
● The gap accommodates connections to vertical and diagonal web members which frame in between the chord
members.
● The web elements are either discrete members or are a lattice system (continuous arrangement of web
members) (Figure 1).
● The top and bottom chords are typically connected by a U-shaped steel strap that wraps around the end of the
truss and is bolted to the chord members.
● The ends of the truss bear on columns or are situated inside pockets within masonry walls.

The typical span for these trusses is between 50 to

100 feet and the typical height is between 10 to 12
feet.

Figure 1. Bowstring trusses in which web

elements are discrete (left) and are a lattice
system (right).

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 BEHAVIOUR
● Bowstring trusses structurally behave as a tied arch.
● The shape of the top chord (parabolic) results in generally uniform compressive stresses in top chord elements
under uniform loads.
● The thrust forces at the ends of the top chord are resisted by the bottom chord, which acts as a tie; these forces are
transferred to the bottom chord through the U shaped steel straps at the ends of the truss.
● Due to this arch like behavior, stresses in web members are relatively small under uniform load. These structures
were developed (and designed) to withstand dead, live, snow, and wind loads, with general practice and most
building codes in effect at the time of construction considered as uniformly distributed loads.
● Generally, snow drift loads, non-uniform wind loads, point loads (e.g., due to mechanical units on the roof), and
seismic loads were not considered at the time of original construction.

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 USES
Bowstring truss is a structural device commonly used in bridge-building and less often, in industrial architecture.

Used to span wide, column-free spaces, it consists of an arched beam (the bow) joined at each end by a straight
beam (the string), with diagonal support beams joining the two.

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 PORTAL FRAMES :
● Portal frames have been in use since the 1960s and are typically used in larger more industrial type
construction with spans usually 15–20 m

● A portal frame does not have the inner or web members that a truss has and relies on rigid connection of
the columns to the rafters.

APPLICATIONS

● Warehouses
● factories
● packing sheds
● cool stores
● sawmills
● gymnasiums and halls have all been
successfully designed using gusseted
portals.

● For buildings that require large spans and column free interiors, timber portal frames provide one of the most
aesthetically pleasing solutions. Utilising modern engineering technology, portal frame design transforms timber
into a highly effective, efficient and economical structural product.
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 ● Particularly suitable and economical for spans between 15m and 36m; these portals have also proved successful
in smaller buildings.

● These rigid joints are generally constructed using ● Structural action is achieved through rigid
nailed plywood gussets and on occasion, with steel connections between column and rafter at the
gussets. knees, and between the individual rafter
members at the ridge.

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 MATERIALS

Glue laminated timber (Glulam), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), sawn timber and plywood webbed beams are common
materials used for portal framing.

Laminated Veneer Lumber

● It is a vertically laminated glued beam comprised of
soft veneers.
● Glue laminated timber may be considered a solid
● The product is manufactured using thick plywood
timber and is well suited to portal frame
technology and is supplied to a maximum size of
production.
1200 mm deep and 63mm thick.
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 ADVANTAGES
● Timber portal frames offer a strong, sound and
superior structure.
● Ease of Installation
● They require no specialist erection techniques
● Timber can be formed into any shape desired
creating flexibility for the architect.
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 DESIGN OF TIMBER PORTAL FRAMES

● Depending on knee joint and member size timber

portals can handle large spans up to and above 50m.

● For large span timber portals steel hinges can be

used for efficient erection and added strength

● The use of steel gussets can also be used to add

strength to knee joints.

● Nailing is a very important and set out part of design

of structure.

● Poor nailing can result in failure in structure.

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 SOLID BEAMS :
● Solid beams have been used for timber framing for hundreds of years.
● They are made of a single piece of wood.
● A timber frame constructed out of solid beams of timber will be strong and durable.
● Gives classic look to the timber frame and it adds to the
rustic quality of the timber frame.
● They are used for timber framing that is highly common in
construction projects.
● Solid beams have more appealing look and ideal for decor
purposes.

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 Use of Solid Beams in Building Projects

● Timber frames made of solid beams are suitable to use when you
need the structural shell urgently or the ground conditions are
rather poor.
● Solid beams are also used for timber cladding that is swiftly
becoming a popular choice among homeowners.
● Timber cladding or timber weatherboarding is an attractive and
economical way to finish the exteriors of new and old buildings.
● Timber frame made of solid beams is strong, durable and tolerant
towards various weather conditions. Also, it makes a great
addition to the look of your house or building.
ADVANTAGE DISADVANTAGE
● It is readily available ● Shrinkage and Swelling
● It is safe. ● Condensation occurs when warm air from the
● It is easy to work. inside touches a cold wall which has not been
● It is cost effective. insulated well.
● It is versatile and visually appealing. ● Wood is not fire resistant
● It is naturally anti-corrosive.
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 WOOD BEAM JOINT METHODS :
Joints play an essential role in the structural performance of timber frames Wood
beam joint methods should be chosen based on the type and weight of the load they
will be bearing Here are the main joint methods for wood beams.

End-to-end joints :
This wood beam joint technique is very simple. It involves joining the pieces and to
end with the last modification possible There are several different types of
end-to-end joints.

1. SCARF JOINTS :
Scarf joints join two ends that are cut [Link] types of joints are generally
used for large structural members such as rafters, because they are effective at
transmitting compression force.

2. HALF LAP SPLICE JOINTS : SCARF JOINT

Half Lap splice joints consist of interlocking two pieces with a horizontal notch cut
halfway through the wood. This method is particularly effective for very large pieces
of wood like beams It is recommended that metal fasteners be added in order to m
imice stability.

Lap joints : This joint technique consists of creating pieces of wood where the end
or another part of one covers part of the other. There are several different varieties.
HALF LAP SPLICE JOINT
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 3. OVERLAPPING SCARF JOINTS :

Overlapping scart joints have an oblique cut

with a slightly larger surface area than the
conventional scart joint.

4. HALF LAP JOINTS :

Half joints involve moving some material from a part of both

pieces of wood in order to interlock them This type of joint has
many possible configurations.
● T-joint
● Cross joint
● L-joint
● Dovetail joint

5. RABBET JOINT : RABBET JOINT

For this type of joint, only one beam has a notch to fit the end of
the other beam.

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 BOX BEAMS :

● Box beams are beams that are created using sections of

lumber, along with plywood sheets.
● Metal versions are often made using lengths of forged metal
along with some type of metal coating or sheeting for
additional strength.
● Unlike a solid beam, a box beam is hollow on the inside.
This often means that the box girder or beam is not
necessarily as sturdy as a solid beam composed of wood or
metal.
● Four lengths of lumber, such as planks, are joined to create
a box design.
● The four sides of the box are secured in place using nails
and wood glue.
● Once the beam is assembled, it can be mounted on a
ceiling, used as a support for a porch roof, or a number of
other practical and decorative applications.

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 ADVANTAGES:

● While not as strong as a solid beam, the box beam does have several practical advantages.
● One has to do with the weight of the finished beam. Because the beam section is hollow, it is often
easier to move into position.
● This makes it ideal for many situations where a solid beam is not really required.
● it can be assembled on-site, rather than being manufactured at a remote location and transported to the
site.
● This benefit makes the box beam a favorite in the construction of homes and similar buildings.

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 WEB BEAMS :

● Web beams are I beams.

● Flange can be made by glulam by screwing , nailing or nut bolting.
● With the weight of the structure concreted on the frame, the interior remains largely open and unobstructed.
● Timber I beams consist of timber chords, which is typically solid timber or laminated Veen Lumbar (LVL),
connected with timber web. The timber web is a sheet material, usually plywood although other materials such
as Oriented Strand Board

Advantages

● Long spans and higher loads are

achievable
● More efficient use of the material
● Quick installation and light to handle
● Fast installation of services
● Available in long lengths
● Cost advantages

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 METHOD :

● The flange, i.e. the top and bottom member,

can either be in solid conventional timber, or
a further piece of engineered timber similar
to the laminated timber

● The web is again constructed of a man-made

timber product, which could be highly
compressed timber fibers commonly known
as hardboard, or OSB (oriented strand board)
or plywood.

● The flanges and web are usually joined by

high performance gluing in the factory.
When being made to specific lengths, the
ends will usually be solidly blocked to carry
the stresses at the load-bearing point

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 REFERENCES:
● [Link]
● [Link]
● [Link]
me-monsoon-2020-sd4704-psd20156
● [Link]
● [Link]
● [Link]
● [Link]

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 THANK
YOU

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