Probabilistic modelling of the behaviour of timber in structures

Abstract

Timber is an efficient building material, not least in regard to its mechanical properties but also because it is a highly sustainable material considering all phases of the life cycle of timber structures: production, use and decommissioning. Timber is a widely available natural resource; e.g. with proper management, there is a potential for a continuous and sustainable supply of raw timber material in the future. Because of the low energy use and the low level of pollution associated with the manufacturing of timber structures the environmental impact is much smaller than for structures built with other materials. In addition, timber is a rather advantageous building material because of its material properties. Timber is a light material and compared with its weight the strength is high; the strength to weight ratio of defect free timber is even higher than for steel.

However, timber is in general not regarded as a high performance material when it comes to a direct comparison with other building materials as concrete or steel. This is mainly related to the lack of knowledge of its behaviour in a structure; compared to other materials the model basis for the prediction of the performance of timber in structures is by far not complete.

As a consequence, a significant amount of research is recently invested into the development of probabilistic models for prediction of the performance of timber structures. In the present mini-symposium the latest findings will be demonstrated and discussed. The following aspects among others are particularly addressed:

• Timber grading
• Seismic response
• Climate and load duration aspects
• Timber connections
• System effects in timber structures including robustness
• Durability

Researchers from all over the globe will be invited to present and discuss their recent research findings about these various aspects.

Organizers

Sven Thelandersson, Lund University, Lund, Sweden, (Sven.Thelandersson@kstr.lth.se)
Jochen Köhler, ETH Zurich, Switzerland, (jochen.koehler@ibk.baug.ethz.ch)