Recommendations for the Design of Complex Indeterminate Timber Structures

Abstract

Complex indeterminate structures with multiple loadpaths are now increasingly common in timber. However, due to connection fit-up and the material variability, one loadpath might be stiffer and attract forces which are perhaps two or three times the level predicted by a simple elastic analysis. To achieve overall ductile behavior is important to ensure that the connections are sufficiently ductile to protect the brittle timber members from damage. This paper examines whether the rules in current design codes are adequate for the design of such structures. © RILEM 2014.