Connections in Large Timber Beams Free-Form Structures
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Publicerad
2020
Författare
Bitar, Amer
Cobucci Paolucci, Pedro
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Wood has long been used as a construction material, but the properties of solid wood
in relation to strength, maximum length, and natural defects have always been a limiting
factor in the construction of more ambitious projects. The development of knowledge
in the field of concrete and steel has enabled the construction industry to shape modern
society, but it has also brought with it an eminent and gradually increasing abuse of the
environment. The rescue of construction using wood represents a conscious step towards
sustainable development. Progress in the manufacture of wooden laminated panels
and the production of synthetic glues has given greater scope for advances in the
fields of engineered wood products. More and more research has focused on improving
manufacturing techniques, making glued laminated wood a standardized product available
in various shapes and sizes. This product has made possible the execution of works
that previously only concrete or steel was capable of, such as bridges, high buildings,
and large roof structures.
The computer revolution that took place in the 1990s had an immense influence on the
construction industry, constructions that were previously mostly constituted by planar
elements began to have freely curved building shapes. From this moment on, structural
designers and architects have been able to explore fascinating architectural shapes, including
the free-form structures. In timber free-form structures, connections are necessary
to join single timber elements, which are necessary due to limitations in transportation
and production. When using large beams these connections may need to transfer
considerable high forces and moments to ensure an efficient structure. Besides the resistance
also the stiffness is of high importance for a satisfactory structural behavior
and to correspond to the assumptions made in the global model. The aim of this master’s
thesis is to gain a deeper understanding of timber connections in large timber beams
and point out the connection’s influence on the global behavior of the structure. The
study has been applied to a free-form timber roof structure in development at the Danish
consultant company COWI. The work presents different design concepts of connections
and how these concepts could be optimized.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
sustainable development , timber free-form structures , large timber beams , timber connections, , COWI