Structural Connections in Modern Timber Construction

Abstract

In this thesis, research on design procedures of joints in modern timber engineering has been conducted. A literature review was carried out on joint types, structural systems, strength calculations, stiffness calculation and finite element simulation of timber structures and joints. Sources for the literature review were different international publications, reports and standards for the design of timber structures. The main emphasis of the thesis was on the structural analysis of connection design and the incorporation of joint design and stiffness into the global model for finite element simulation. A case study was conducted where the theoretical information based on the literature review was applied. In the case study two different glue-lam column connections were designed with manual strength calculations and with FEA simulation. What emerged from the results from the case study is a comparison between connection stiffness for a frame in glued laminated timber and its structural response in the form of horizontal displacement with different support conditions.