Stochastic Analysis of Wire-Connected Round Timber Trusses Edward
Date
2001
Authors
Lusambo, Edward
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia
Abstract
Round timber, as a by-product of forest thinning, can be used for construction of innovative and
attractive wooden structures. It forms an inexpensive source of construction material for
agricultural structures in developing countries. Several methods of connecting round timber
have been proposed and investigated world-wide. This paper considers a method that uses flitch
plate and wire lacing connections to achieve stable, low-cost and durable round timber
structures. For the structural designer, however, it is also necessary to have methods for
structural analysis of such structures.
This paper discusses a stochastic finite element analysis procedure that was developed and used
to analyse round timber trusses made from eucalyptus poles. Static load versus displacement
/ characteristics of the trusses were investigated using full-scale trusses. In the deterministic
analysis, the wire-connected joints developed for the purpose were modelled using semi-rigid
connection elements. The effects of slip at the joints, and the effects of creep and joint
movement over a long time were incorporated in the analysis. In the experimental set-up, only
the deflection of the mid-point of the bottom chord of the truss was measured. It was observed
that the results from the deterministic analysis compared well to full-scale truss tests.
Keywords: Timber structures, round timber, stochastic analysis, limit states design.
Description
Keywords
Timber structures