Species independent strength grading of structural timber

Timber as a construction material has been used for millennia, but the research field covering the prediction of the strength of structural timber is still in development. Currently, the common conception is that the determination of strength properties has to be determined for every wood species individually. By combining these strength...

Load carrying capacity of large mortise and tenon joints in wooden mitre gates

Wooden mitre gates are used for centuries in waterways and canals. For newly built as well as the renewal of such gates, a number of wood species is used, ranging from oak to dense tropical hardwoods. As mitre gates have high loads to withstand, their strength verification has become more and more important. As strength verification rules for...

Comparison of theoretical and experimental determination of deformations of timber façade elements against wind load

The current practice is that the deformations of timber façade elements are determined by testing, or they are limited by prescribing dimensions in a very conservative way. To use generic calculation models, suitable for almost all types of windows, approximations deviating from the actual behaviour have to be done. This paper investigates if a...

The importance of characterisation and sampling of tropical wood species with regard to strength and durability classification

Strength class assignments and durability class assignments of wood species to be used in structures are necessary to make it possible for the engineer to design safe and durable timber structures. As a result of sustainable managed forests, more tropical wood species with relative small batch size, are coming on the market. In Europe, strength...