Resolving Timber Element Deficiencies

1-Improving timber quality

2-Correct selection of additional loads on slabs

The program automatically accounts for the self-weight of timber beams and slabs. It is generally not necessary to apply a covering load (such as ceramic screed) on top of a timber slab. Assigning a live load far in excess of what is actually required may increase deficiencies.

3-Avoiding/eliminating heavy loads such as masonry walls placed on timber beams as much as possible

4-In masonry buildings, timber beams also play a role in transferring earthquake loads; since they transfer loads between heavy structural elements, they are subjected to far greater stress than beams in pure timber buildings. For this reason — and because of the requirements of the code (TBDY2018 Cl. 11.3.7) — a reinforced concrete slab system should be used in masonry buildings (as far as possible in historical structures, and as mandatory in newly constructed masonry buildings).

5-Where necessary, a hinge support reduces span moments by reducing support moments and increasing midspan moments. A hinge defined at the connected/supported end of a cantilever beam may corrupt the finite element solution of the system. If a hinge is to be defined, it should be defined on elements that are connected/supported at both ends.

6-If the Compression Stress Perpendicular to Grain Check is not satisfied for a deficient element, the bearing length of the beam on the wall or the length of the bearing plate (subject to its actual implementation on site) can be increased in the Beam Settings.

7-If the Limit State Condition Under Bending is not satisfied, the cross-section height should be increased first; increasing the width is the second preference.

8-The moisture condition is set to "high" by default in the program (unless the setting is changed). If the moisture condition at the building location is not high, it can be set to "low" or "medium".

9-If a Buckling Deficiency exists, intermediate lateral bracing members can be added to support the element, and the option "Use the specified value for lateral buckling length" can be selected in the element properties, with the appropriate value (bracing interval) entered in the field. Alternatively, the slenderness ratio can be reduced by increasing the cross-section dimension of the element in the direction where the deficiency occurs.

10-If a deficiency exists due to Torsional Moment Effect, design changes that reduce or eliminate the torsion can be made, or the element cross-section can be increased.