Qualities of Heavy Timber Constructions
Heavy timber constructions take the most significant portion of conventional roofs. Current roof construction mostly utilize aluminum and lightweight wood trusses. Structural evaluation of the three installations technologies reveal the qualities of the timber constructions. This work explains the conditions concerning their load and stress carrying capacity.
Advantages of the Constructions
The ability of massive timber constructions to accommodate loads and stresses depends on their code and the components if its installations. In the case of more reliable timber code, the construction exhibit higher structural ability like water tanks and snow loads in comparison to cast iron and aluminum frames. Also, thee use connectors with similar properties to the timber provides equal stress distribution. This move ensures the durability of the structure than in aluminum frames. Due to their weight, lowering the frames’ center of gravity provides structural stability. In firefighting, heavy timber frames enjoy popularity due to their ability to withstand high fire stresses. This ability arises from their low rate of consumption, and their difficulty in igniting. The members also possess a higher salvage value (Sun, 016).
Disadvantages of the Constructions
Despite the numerous merits, the construction also exhibits some defects. For example, while aluminum frames are light, these constructions are massive. Due to their weights, the structures already pose a risk of structural setting out. The installation is quick to fail under its weight. Also, any slight displacement of one of the members can make the structure fail due to the propagation of load to the joint. Finally, since timber is a natural material, cellular nature makes it susceptible to climatic variations. Therefore, inadequate treating of the members before use makes them vulnerable to rot and pest attack, especially in outdoor constructions (Sun, 016).
Reference
Sun, J. (2016). Mid-rise Timber Construction in Finland: A Study on Material, Technology, and Market Maturity. Retrieved from https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/109528/draft%207.pdf?sequence=1