Project R-7427

SYNERGYTIMB: Optimal design of timber frame by identification and integration of synergetic structure behaviour (Research)

The objective of the TETRA-project SYNERGYTIMB, funded by VLAIO, was the development and distribution of practical design tools towards professionals in the timber frame industry. With these tools, the necessary design checks for timber frame structures can be evaluated correctly and efficiently, leading to an optimised material usage. The developed design tools result from the collection, combination and optimisation of the existing knowledge base of Hasselt University (Construction Engineering Research Group) and WOOD.BE. The project was made possible thanks to the support of Fedustria and 15 companies from the timber frame industry as well as general contractors and design agencies. The design tools can be divided into tools designated for the evaluation of the horizontal and vertical stability in a timber frame structure. Concerning the horizontal stability, a software application has been developed in which the necessary number of racking walls within the structures are checked, based on the floor plan of the structure and build-up of the walls. Furthermore, a tutorial has been developed for the evaluation of the membrane action of timber frame floors. Concerning the vertical stability, a tutorial and multiple design tables have been developed which asses the vertical stability of timber frame walls, box beams, and floor beams. These tools are based on experimental, analytical and numerical research. For instance, a finite element model was developed to evaluate the impact of openings in timber frame walls on the racking resistance. An additional primary objective of the project is the knowledge transfer towards the construction industry. This has been achieved by organising two workshops (in Diepenbeek and Ghent), in which the basic principles of design calculations for timber frame structures and the main results of the project were presented. More than 150 design engineers, architects, construction firms, and students attended these workshops. Finally, the project was linked with the education programme through seven bachelor's and master's theses, as well as two courses on timber design. For more information, visit the project website www.synergytimb.be.

01 October 2016 - 30 September 2018