Resolving Timber Element Inadequacies

1- Increasing timber quality

2- Correct selection of additional loads on floors

The program automatically accounts for the self-weight of timber beams and floors. It is usually not necessary to apply ceramic screed or similar covering loads on timber floors. Exceeding the required values for live loads can also increase inadequacies.

3- Avoiding heavy loads such as masonry walls on timber beams whenever possible

4- Timber beams in masonry buildings

Since timber beams in masonry buildings play a role in transferring earthquake loads and transfer loads between heavy building elements, they are stressed much more than beams in timber buildings. For these reasons and due to code requirements (TBDY2018 Article 11.3.7), reinforced concrete floor systems should be used in masonry buildings (as much as possible in historical structures, and mandatorily in new masonry buildings).

5- Hinge definitions

Using hinges when necessary reduces support moments and increases span moments. A hinge defined at the connected/supported end of a cantilever beam can distort the finite element solution of the system. Hinges should be defined on elements that are connected/supported at both ends.

6- Compressive stress check perpendicular to grain failing

The bearing length of the beam on the wall or the support piece length can be increased in the beam settings (provided it is also implemented on site).

7- Bending limit state condition not satisfied

The height of the cross-section should be increased as a first preference, and width as a second preference.

8- Moisture condition

By default in the program (if the setting is not changed), the "High" option is selected for moisture condition. If the moisture condition at the building location is not high, it can be set to "Low" or "Medium."

9- Buckling inadequacy

Supporting intermediate bands can be added, and in the element properties, the lateral buckling length can be set to "Use specified value" with an appropriate value (intermediate band spacing) entered in the box. Alternatively, the cross-section dimension in the direction of inadequacy can be increased to reduce the slenderness ratio.

10- Torsional moment effect inadequacy

Project modifications can be made to reduce/eliminate torsion, or the element cross-section can be increased.