Application

APPLICATION OF TIMBER IN BUILDINGS

This section of the course looks at the way timber is used in buildings. It recognises that there are many different expectations for the way materials need to perform in order to give satisfaction.

Performance is simply satisfying expectations, and there are many expectations of timber elements in buildings. Some of these expectations are compatible, and others seem mutually exclusive. It is the task of a designer to anticipate the expected performance and predict whether or not the element will achieve that performance.

General requirements for elements in buildings

All building elements must:

• Satisfy the specific functional requirements for the element.
• Have adequate durability to remain functional for the expected life of the element.

 The requirements may be drawn from:

• Aesthetic – look and feel of the element
• Structural – the strength and stiffness of the element
• Durability – the longer-term performance of the element in its installed environment

Structure of the section - Look first at building elements, then look at the ways in which timber can be used in different types of structures.