Design of Timber Structures

 

 Design of Timber Structures

   

Introduction

In recent decades, timber has re-emerged as a leading construction material due to its sustainability, availability, and remarkable mechanical properties. As the construction industry moves toward environmentally responsible practices, the demand for efficient and safe timber structures is rapidly increasing. However, designing timber structures requires a solid understanding of both structural behavior and regulatory frameworks such as Eurocode 5, which 

governs timber construction across the European Union.

The book Design of Timber Structures was created to fulfill this very need. Specifically developed to assist designers and engineers in applying Eurocode 5 and Swedish building regulations, the book provides a structured and educational approach to timber design. It also serves as a foundational reference for university-level education, particularly in the fourth and fifth years of structural engineering programs.

In this article, we will explore the motivations behind the creation of the book, its structure across three volumes, the role of Swedish academic institutions in its development, and its broader significance in engineering practice and education. We will also examine the scope and limitations of the material, the use of examples, and the legal framework that governs the book’s usage.

Why Timber? The Modern Role of Wood in Structural Engineering

Before delving into the book itself, it is important to understand why timber is a critical material in modern structural design:

Sustainability: Wood is a renewable resource with a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to steel or concrete.

Performance: Engineered wood products such as glulam and cross-laminated timber (CLT) offer high strength-to-weight ratios.

Versatility: Timber can be used in small residential buildings and large-scale public infrastructure alike.

Innovation: Modern timber technologies allow for prefabrication, digital fabrication, and modular design.

However, despite these advantages, timber behaves differently than traditional materials under load, especially when moisture, creep, or long-term durability are considered. This is why a specialized design approach, governed by detailed codes and standards, is necessary.

Purpose and Origin of the Book

The first edition of Design of Timber Structures was developed to fill a significant gap in higher education. At the time, there was no dedicated textbook that addressed the structural analysis and design of timber elements in alignment with Eurocode 5, tailored for the advanced levels of engineering education.

The book was intentionally created to support coursework in:

Fourth-year structural engineering courses

Fifth-year or master's level design projects

Professional development programs for engineers in practice

Written by academic professionals deeply involved in Swedish engineering education, the book draws on the collective expertise of faculty members at major institutions, including:

Lund University (LTH)

Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm

Linnaeus University, Växjö

Luleå University of Technology (LTU)

Additionally, the organization SP Wood Technology contributed a dedicated chapter on Structural Systems for Infrastructure, offering practical insights into timber’s role in bridges, tunnels, and other large-scale systems.

Structure of the Book Series

The Design of Timber Structures is not just a single volume but a three-volume series, each with a distinct focus:

Volume 1: Principles and Theory

This volume lays the theoretical foundation of timber design, including:

Material properties of wood and engineered wood products

Load combinations and structural safety

Serviceability limit states and durability

Cross-section analysis and design under axial, bending, and shear loads

Stability and buckling of timber elements

The content is aligned with Eurocode 5 and supported by national regulations applicable in Sweden.

Volume 2: Rules and Formulas According to Eurocode 5

Serving as a practical design manual, this volume compiles:

Essential formulas and design tables

Code excerpts and interpretations

Simplified calculation steps for common timber elements (e.g., beams, columns, joints)

Guidelines for structural safety verification

It functions as a quick reference for students and engineers who need to verify calculations in a real-world context without re-deriving formulas each time.

Volume 3: Design Examples

The third volume offers a wide array of solved examples, covering:

Realistic design scenarios of timber beams, trusses, and frames

Foundation integration and interface with other materials

Structural detailing for long-span structures

Joints and connections using mechanical fasteners and adhesives

Earthquake-resistant and fire-safe timber design strategies

This volume emphasizes hands-on learning and showcases how theory and codes are applied to actual projects.

Educational Integration in Swedish Universities

The three-volume series has been widely adopted in Swedish universities and engineering institutes as part of their core curriculum. Students are trained to:

Interpret Eurocode 5 provisions

Perform manual calculations and verify software output

Apply theoretical knowledge to practical case studies

Evaluate compliance with national building codes

Through this integration, the book contributes significantly to competence development in structural timber engineering. Graduates are better prepared to enter the workforce with a deep understanding of both the scientific principles and regulatory framework governing timber design.

Legal Notice and Terms of Use

It is essential for readers and users of the book to understand the legal framework that governs its usage. The publisher, Swedish Forest Industries Federation (Skogsindustrierna), holds all rights to the content. The books are protected under Swedish copyright law and were published in both English and Swedish in 2015.

Key legal points include:

No advisory relationship is created by reading the material.

The content is provided “as is,” without warranties or guarantees.

Users are responsible for verifying accuracy and applicability to their specific cases.

The publisher disclaims liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of the content.

Copying or redistributing the content without permission is strictly prohibited.

While the content is educational and highly valuable, users must apply it responsibly, ensuring that they consult professionals or legal advisors when required.

Engineering Beyond the Text: Timber in Infrastructure

One of the highlights of the book is its attention to infrastructure-scale timber systems. SP Wood Technology’s contribution brings attention to the fact that:

Timber can be used in pedestrian and light vehicle bridges

Laminated wood arches and box beams can span large distances

Hybrid systems (wood + steel or concrete) are increasingly viable

Maintenance and durability must be factored into the lifecycle analysis

By including this chapter, the book extends its relevance from basic building design to more 

complex and innovative civil engineering projects

                                                                         

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