IntermediateTopic 60 of 112Civil & Structural
Timber design
Allowable stresses depend on species, moisture and duration of load.
In depth
Allowable stresses vary with species grade, moisture, load duration and size; adjustment factors for creep and stability. Members: joists, studs, trusses, glulam beams. Connections (nails, bolts, plates) usually govern; protect against decay and fire.
Key points
- Anisotropic strength
- Duration of load
- Char depth in fire
ExampleA timber floor joist 50×200 at 400 mm spacing spans about 4 m.
Timber strength depends on species, grade, moisture and load duration, so timber design uses adjustment factors to reflect these effects.
What is Timber design?
Allowable stresses depend on species, moisture and duration of load.
Why is it important to understand timber design?
Timber strength depends on species, grade, moisture and load duration, so timber design uses adjustment factors to reflect these effects.
Why does timber strength depend on load duration?
Timber can carry higher short-term loads than long-term loads, so codes reduce allowable stress for permanent loads.
What is engineered timber?
Products such as glulam, laminated veneer lumber and cross-laminated timber, which give predictable strength and larger sizes than solid timber.
How is Timber design used in practice?
Typical applications include designing a timber floor joist for a domestic building, choosing a glued laminated beam for a long-span roof and checking a timber column for a damp location.
What should I learn before Timber design?
Study "Composite structures" first (topic 59 of 112 in Civil & Structural). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Timber design?
Anisotropic strength. Duration of load. Char depth in fire.
Can you give an example of Timber design?
A timber floor joist 50×200 at 400 mm spacing spans about 4 m.
What comes after Timber design?
The next topic is "Masonry design", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Timber design?
It is classed as Intermediate in Civil & Structural (topic 60 of 112). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Civil & Structural first.