An extended beam model for simulation of hygro-mechanical and visco elastic deformations in inhomogeneous timber structures

• Due to numbers of failures of large glue laminated (glulam) timber structures there seems to be a need for better design tools for wood applications. In EC5 and in many textbooks on timber design it is stated that the moisture sensitivity of the wood material needs to be taken into account in the design process. But the fact is that in stress calculations associated with ordinary timber design, these matters are not dealt with properly. The problem is that it is very difficult to predict the variation of moisture-related stresses during the service life of the timber structure as a whole. A proper prediction requires that material inhomogeneity, mechano-sorption effect and visco-elastic behaviour are taken into account. The paper presents a finite element implementation of a new beam element able to simulate hygro-mechanical and visco-elastic behaviours in inhomogeneous timber structures.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Samhällsbyggnadsteknik -- Byggproduktion (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Civil Engineering -- Construction Management (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Wood

Moisture induced stresses

Creep

FEM

Beam modelling

Civil engineering

Byggteknik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)