SHORT LENGTH TIMBER

&
ADVANCED TIMBER
CONSTRUCTION

Reference Books –
Adv. Building Construction – Mitchel
Building construction – Barry
Construction Technology – R.Chudle
Building Construction Illustrated – Ching.

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 1

SOME IMPORTANT TERMS

LAMINA –
A Thin plate or layer OR a leaf OR Blade. Plural (LAMINAE)

LAMINABLE –
Suitable for making into thin plates or layers

LAMINATE –
• To make into thin plate/ layer
• To separate into layers
• To split into layers or leaves
• To beat or Roll (metals) into thin plates
• To make by putting together
• To overlay with metal plates/ plastic layers
• Manufacturing by placing layer on layer

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 2

SOME IMPORTANT TERMS

LAMINATED –
A product made-up of laminae of paper/ wood/ canvas/ linen/ silk, etc. (made
by impregnated / covered with resin-dried & later pressed together to form a
thicker material. E.g. – Plywood)

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TIMBER PROPERTIES

• Organic matter (during growth) with KNOTS & FACECTS. These are Zones
of weakness.
• One of the earliest used material for structural purposes.
• Bending in timber is 1/28 to 1/32 (i.e. 3% to 4%) as compared to steel (1/25
i.e. 4%) tensile strength of steel is 3 to 5 tones/ cm2 & its modulus of
elasticity is 2 tones per cm2 Its yield point is 2.25 tones per cm2
• Ductibility is negligible (lower then other materials & metals)
• Weight is 1/16 of steel
• Provides good thermal insulation & is permanent if properly used/
maintained
• Burns freely but structurally stable during a fire for a greater length of time &
proves to be better then steel in same fire condition.

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 4

TIMBER ENGINEERING

CONNECTORS GLULAM

RING CONNECTORS PLATES CLEATS

TOOTHED
SPLIT RING SHEAR PLATE
PLATE
CONNECTORS CONNECTORS
CONNECTORS

BASE (SOLE)
SPLICE PLATE PLATE
GUSSET
OR OR
SINGLE DOUBLE PLATE
FISH PLATE CROWN
TOOTHED TOOTHED
(HEAD) PLATE
PLATE PLATE
CONNECTORS CONNECTORS

JOINED BY

NUTS & BOLTS

NAILS SCREWS WITH
WASHERS
Sometimes joined by shoes also
* Splice = to join by overlapping
SP-2021 CTM - VIII 5
CONNECTORS

Joints are import factor for timber construction as earlier joints were having
15%-20% efficiency.
Development in stress grading & research in designing has led to more
efficient use of wood due to development in methods of joining timber as
joints being it weakest aspect. This is particularly achieved by increasing the
efficiency of joints by strengthening / reinforcing the joints by following TWO
methods-
1. Use of Metal Connectors
2. Glues

GLUES
Glues used are immune to Dampness & Decay

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 6

GLULAM

GLULAM = GLUE + LAMINATE

• Glues of various types – many of them are immune to damp
• Glues can be used for LATTICE construction (an open framework
consisting of crisscross patterns of building materials) but more
advantageously used in building-up LAMINATED TIMBER MEMBERS.
• Laminates are glued & pressed (by Hydraulic press) to create products of
varying thickness (cross sections). Such laminated members are stronger
then same section of solid wood.

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GLULAM

• Laminated product is advantageous since different quality timber is used

in same section. It also has better quality in highly stressed zones
• Gluing also provides continuity of structure obtained.
• Simple to form curved members & Portal frames with greater depth
where stresses are maximum.
• Glulam manufacturing costs 2.5 times higher to solid members, thus
used only when solid members are uneconomical

VIDEO-GLULAM-1 VIDEO-GLULAM-2

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 8

METAL CONNECTORS

• Made of galvanized steel, these devices are used for joining together
members of built up roof trusses and similar framed structures. In an
ordinary bolted connection most of the stress is concentrated at the outer
contact surfaces of the members, where as in a connector joint the stress is
distributed over a wider area of timber and therefore the load is effectively
transmitted from one member to another. Hence, a connector joint is more
efficient and stronger then an ordinary bolted one.
• All connectors are joined with nut bolts, screws or nails or in combination.
Their numbers, diameter & position is calculated to reinforce the joint to
sustain Tension & Shear produced at joints.

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 9

METAL CONNECTORS
RING CONNECTORS -

SINGLE TOOTHED CONNECTOR DOUBLE TOOTHED CONNECTOR

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 10
METAL CONNECTORS

RING CONNECTORS -

SPLIT RING CONNECTOR

SHEAR PLATE CONNECTOR

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METAL CONNECTORS RING CONNECTORS -

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 12

METAL
CONNECTORS

GUSSET PLATE

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METAL CONNECTORS GUSSET PLATE

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METAL CONNECTORS
NUTS & BOLTS

VIDEO-TREX-1 VIDEO-TREX-2 VIDEO-TREX-3

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 15

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
METHODS
(A) – SOLID BEAMS

• Timber laminates glued together (GLULAM) is constructed by arranging

laminates usually of about 50 mm thickness for straight members & 15-
16mm for making curved members according to the radius of curve for
shaped members.
• Laminates can be arranged either vertically or horizontally (e.g. Plywood).
• Horizontally more economical use of timber especially in large spans as
depth of beam may be formed of multiple laminates & not limited by the
width of any given plank/ laminate.

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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(A) – SOLID BEAMS

• Horizontal lamination facilitates shaping also (about 100-150 times the

thickness of laminate) hence effectively used for curved beams
• Shapes of beams may be varied to give sloping upper surface/ slight
camber. Thus sections of varying depths in same member can be also
created.
• Used for maximum 18 meters spans.

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 17

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(B) – WEB BEAMS

• Girders/ Joists for 12-15 meters span are more economical as distribution of
materials is obtained by combined use of solid timber FLANGES & WEB (of
Plywood).
• Such beams can be if required further stiffened by using a number of webs
of Plywood
• For spans of 18-30 meters use of laminated glued & nailed “I” Beam
sections will produce more economical structure.
• When webs of approximate 25mm thick members are glued together with
carefully calculated nailing & screws the section allows use of short pieces
of timber (in length to be used economically)
• Each flange is composed of a number of overlapping lengths & the web
formed from diagonal boarding is braced where ever its necessary by
additions of vertical stiffeners glued & nailed to it.

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 18

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(B) – WEB BEAMS

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 19

TIMBER
CONSTRUCTION
METHODS
(B) – WEB BEAMS

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 20

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(C) – TRUSSES & LATTICE GIRDERS

• May be fabricated with connectors, nails or glues generally & with toothed
or split ring connectors for joining sawn timber as split ring connectors carry
more load then toothed but requires accurately machined groves cut in
timber
• Gussets that glue greater fixing area can be both nailed/ glued joints, but in
larger spans these gussets are of steel (Mild steel or high tensile steel)
• Girders up to 45 meters & trusses approximately 60-75 meters may be
constructed on these lines.
• Lattice frames built up with bolted & glues joints are made on the same
lines as the trusses & girders

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 21

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
METHODS
(C) – TRUSSES & LATTICE
GIRDERS

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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(C) – TRUSSES & LATTICE GIRDERS

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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(D) – RIGID FRAME/ PORTAL FRAME

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TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(D) – RIGID FRAME/ PORTAL FRAME

Techniques used for solid beams/ web beams/ trusses & girders are similarly
incorporated for rigid frames as well

Rigid frames can be constructed as –

1. Hollow Box (Plywood Box) – up to 18 meters
2. Solid – Laminated (GLULAM frame) – 24 meters
3. Built up “I “ form & Lattice – 45 meters
4. Arch Rib in GLULAM – 60 meter

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 25

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(D) – RIGID FRAME/ PORTAL FRAME

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 26

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(D) – RIGID FRAME/ PORTAL FRAME……contd…..

CONSIDERATIONS
• When glued laminates are employed in frames with curved angles or in
Arch-Rib the laminates must be thin enough to bend easily. The ratio of
curvature to thickness of laminates should not be less then 100 to 150 (this
is to avoid shear curve). The use of thin laminations increases cost hence is
also more costly.
• Metal fittings are used to connect members to strengthen them, the size of
these fittings & numbers are according to the rigidity required.
• Base connections are formed by cleats or by locating the feet of frames in
metal shoes which are bolted to / embedded in concrete foundations. Large
frames have hinged metal bearings which are bolted to the feet.
• Crown joints are either bolted through apex or screwed by splice (joined by
overlapping) plates to provide with a hinged bearing

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 27

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(D) – RIGID FRAME/ PORTAL FRAME

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 28

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(D) – RIGID FRAME/ PORTAL FRAME

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 29

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(D) – RIGID FRAME/ PORTAL FRAME

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 30

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(D) – RIGID FRAME/ PORTAL FRAME

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 31

TIMBER CONSTRUCTION METHODS
(D) – RIGID FRAME/ PORTAL FRAME

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 32

(E) FOLDED SLABS
Can be created in timber as –
1. Framed Panels
2. Hollow Stressed Skin Panels
3. Laminated Board Panels

At folds these are stiffened by

additional solid or laminated
(GLULAM) members forming Beams/
Lattice Girders / Box Frames.

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 33

(F) SPACE FRAMES
• Not fully developed therefore Folded Slab or Shell more effective as main
problem being the connection / joints being in several planes
• SINGLE LAYER GRID
• Difficulty in connecting members with sufficient rigidity at joints as
Precluded(to prevent / to hinder by anticipation) its use to structure.

DOUBLE LAYER FLAT GRID

• Similar hindrance as single layer grids with exception of one solution as –
• A Lattice frame using 3 Lattice Girders & connecting them by metal lugs at
nodes (LUG = Earlike projection or appendage, a Pole or Stick, Flap or
lappet of a Cap)

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 34

(F) SPACE FRAMES

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 35

(G) FOLDED LATTICE PLATES (FOR VAULTS)

• Prefabricated rectangular
frame (a lattice plate)
• Each plate braced with
diagonal steel bars or
stressed wires
• Plates are bolted
together & whole roof
pre-stressed by post-
tension bars at the
eaves.

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 36

(H) VAULTS & DOMES
• Lamella System is used for
construction of Barrel Vaults &
Domes.
• This Lamella (Thin Plate or
Layer) system utilizes a large
number of identical members
called as “Lamellas”.
• The Lamellas are joined with
simple Bolt Connections.
Joints are simple consisting of
Bolts & Bent Metal Plates
assembled at site.
• The grid is arranged in
“Diamond Pattern” or
“Rhombus Pattern” (Equilateral
Parallelogram except Square).

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 37

(H) VAULTS & DOMES…. Contd….
• One member or Lamella is
continuous through each member
joint.
• Each lamella is twice the length
of side of Diamond Chord.
• With simplest form of Single
bolted connection – when the
ends of two opposite Lamellas
Butting onto the continuous
Lamella are slightly staggered at
the joint OR by means of some
what more complicated
connections when lamellas are
made to line through.
• Decking or purlins are used to
Triangulate the Diamond to make
the structure more stable in the
Plane of the surface.
• Spans up to 90 meters

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 38

(H) VAULTS & DOMES…. Contd….

LAMELLA DOMES –
Another curvilinear system of Ribbed Domes are characterized by –
• Only few ribs running from Rim to Crown of the dome as meridional
spherical sector divider.
• All other ribs running as Intro-sector parallel lines curvilinear or straight.
• Diamond grids thus being formed.

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 39

(H) VAULTS & DOMES…. Contd….

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 40

(H) VAULTS & DOMES…. Contd….

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 41

(H) VAULTS & DOMES…. Contd….
ADVANTAGES-
• Eliminates the crowding effect of Meridional Ribs at the crown
• Dispensing with the necessity of introduction of Compression Ring at the
Crown.
• Having all Panel loads at Rib intersecting almost equal in magnitude
• Requiring only short-light Struts for all Rib segments
• The arrangement of Lamellas results in uniform stress distribution
Lamella system however requires a Tension Ring/ Edge Beam at the base.

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 42

(H) VAULTS & DOMES

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 43

(I) SHELLS
• Layers of boarding's are nailed & glued together
• Shell domes are normally built up with boards glued & nailed together
with laminated edge beams

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 44

(H) VAULTS & DOMES

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 45

GLULAM CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING
BENEFITS:

• An all-around product that can be used as roof and floor beams, columns,
bracing, decking and other structural components.
• Green material with very low formaldehyde levels.
• Light weight material, one-sixth lighter than the same dimension reinforced
concrete beam.
• Glulam beams and arches can generate large unsupported span areas.
• Lower transportation and handling costs.
• Material that is easy to repair and install.
• Customizable material to fit your special needs.
• Standard sized available immediately.
• Fast construction.
• Durable material.
• Great insulation properties.
• Aesthetic material producing eye-appealing finishes.
• It can be manufactured in large section sizes and longer lengths.

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 46

GLULAM CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING
BENEFITS:………contd…..

• Offers great fire resistant properties and will outlast steel beams under the
same fire threatening conditions.
• Glulam members offer precise dimensions, as they are manufactured from
seasoned timber.
• Produced in well-managed forests and certified ( e.g. by PEFC – An
international non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to
promoting sustainable forest management)
• CAUTION: Swelling and shrinkage may lead to splitting or delamination of
the beam.

HANDLING AND STORAGE TIPS

Glulam members should be handled carefully to avoid any damage or
reduction in their structural capacity. It is recommended that:
• Fabric sling should be used when lifting to prevent scratches
• Avoid using chains to could damage the surface of the glulam.
• Preferably the material should be storage vertically.

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 47

DISADVANTAGES

• High precision sizes & manufacturing, skilled labor.

• In context of countries like ours there are difficulties of availability of
wood & government regulations to its use as well.
• High production & material costs.
• Availability of Hoisting materials & transportation arrangements due
to their sizes.

SP-2021 CTM - VIII 48