EFFECT OF EDGE DISTANCES ON STIFFNESS OF SHEAR-TENSION MODE IN GLULAM CONNECTIONS WITH INCLINED SCREWS

The effects of edge distances on stiffness in glulam connections with inclined self-tapping screws were studied in this paper. Under four anchorage angles (A-45°, A-60°, A-75°, A-90°) and three edge distances (EG-2D, EG-4D, EG-6D) conditions, the shear-tension tests were carried out on the timber structure connections with inclined self-tapping screws, and the stiffness and other properties of the connections were tested. Based on the results, the effects of edge distances on stiffness in joints were quantified using the equivalent energy elastic-plastic (EEEP) model. The results showed that the edge distances had a certain impact on the yield mode and load-carrying performance of the joints. Within a certain range of variation, as the edge distance increased, the stiffness of the connections increased gradually, showing a positive correlation. The stiffness of specimen EG-2D is 4.41 kN·mm-1. The stiffness of specimen EG-4D is 10.04 kN·mm-1, which increasesby 128% compared with the specimen EG-2D. The stiffness of specimen EG-6D is 12.08 kN·mm-1, which increases by 174% compared with the specimen EG-2D. However, the ductility coefficient, yielding load, and energy dissipatinghave no significant change. Within a reasonable edge distance, only ductile damage occurred.

Impact of Vapor Barrier on Moisture Content of Fiberboard Insulation in Log Structure

The paper is focused on a verification of the moisture content of fiberboard insulations in the multilayer loadbearing log wall designed with and without the vapor barrier. Experimental verification was done using a sample of the multilayer loadbearing log wall built in a research timber structure building under in-situ conditions. Indoor properties of the building met conditions for human occupancy. The experiment was performed for 2 years and 3 months. Aims of the fiberboard insulations moisture content verification in the walls were to verify the effect of vapor barrier in various periods of the year and verify excessive moisture in the fiberboard insulations, which is undesirable in terms of biodegradation. The results of measuring the moisture content showed that after a certain period, the difference of insulation moisture content in the wall including and excluding vapor barrier is negligible, as well as other results and conclusions for designing the composition of multilayer loadbearing log walls.

Arch - Mid-Rise Mass Timber in the Contemporary Workplace

<p><b>Mass timber, proven to be a sustainable and attractive material for urban construction has found little success in the mid-rise market and even less so in the commercial sector. Imitating the structural language of traditional steel and concrete material systems, the inherent material properties and tectonics of mass timber have not been fully explored to the detriment of its wider adoption. Similarly, contemporary workplace concepts such as Activity Based Working (ABW), although aiming to facilitate the diverse activities that take place in the office, the architectural implications of this planning system are typically not well considered and have little interaction with the structural system. </b></p> <p>In response, this design led research seeks to develop the interaction between mass timber structure and workplace planning at a urban mid-rise scale, suggesting ways mass timber, as a unique architectural language, can change future workplace design. This research curated a large body of work critiquing existing precedents and exploring methods of mass timber implementation in contemporary workplaces through design. Drawing on this body of work, three prototype designs were developed to a preliminary level and one final design to a detailed resolution on 55 Vivian Street, Te Aro, Wellington.</p> <p>The developed case study design concludes with a panellised layered arched mass timber structure, proposing a radical shift in the current tectonic language utilised in commercial mass timber buildings. Embracing the inherent properties of mass timber, the architectural expression revolves around complex interactions with the urban context, a varied structural planning grid, integrated façade and ABW furniture systems. The case study design demonstrates how sustainable technologies are not only appropriate, but beneficial for the future of the urban contemporary workplace and the adoption of ABW concepts. And that expressing the properties of mass timber can lead to unique approaches to the structure, creating opportunities to express the tectonics of mass timber at all levels of architectural design: the urban, planning and detail.</p>

Arch - Mid-Rise Mass Timber in the Contemporary Workplace

<p><b>Mass timber, proven to be a sustainable and attractive material for urban construction has found little success in the mid-rise market and even less so in the commercial sector. Imitating the structural language of traditional steel and concrete material systems, the inherent material properties and tectonics of mass timber have not been fully explored to the detriment of its wider adoption. Similarly, contemporary workplace concepts such as Activity Based Working (ABW), although aiming to facilitate the diverse activities that take place in the office, the architectural implications of this planning system are typically not well considered and have little interaction with the structural system. </b></p> <p>In response, this design led research seeks to develop the interaction between mass timber structure and workplace planning at a urban mid-rise scale, suggesting ways mass timber, as a unique architectural language, can change future workplace design. This research curated a large body of work critiquing existing precedents and exploring methods of mass timber implementation in contemporary workplaces through design. Drawing on this body of work, three prototype designs were developed to a preliminary level and one final design to a detailed resolution on 55 Vivian Street, Te Aro, Wellington.</p> <p>The developed case study design concludes with a panellised layered arched mass timber structure, proposing a radical shift in the current tectonic language utilised in commercial mass timber buildings. Embracing the inherent properties of mass timber, the architectural expression revolves around complex interactions with the urban context, a varied structural planning grid, integrated façade and ABW furniture systems. The case study design demonstrates how sustainable technologies are not only appropriate, but beneficial for the future of the urban contemporary workplace and the adoption of ABW concepts. And that expressing the properties of mass timber can lead to unique approaches to the structure, creating opportunities to express the tectonics of mass timber at all levels of architectural design: the urban, planning and detail.</p>