Imperfection measurements on timber members

DIBT – ZP 52-5-13.194

Abstract

The timber structures of 23 building projects were measured in cooperation with the Institute for Photogrammetry (IfP) of the University of Stuttgart with a laser scanner and the data of 202 glulam beams, 38 beech LVL beams and 57 beech LVL columns were evaluated in terms of assembly accuracy and imperfections. The measurements were carried out directly after assembly and alignment of the structures.

Together with assumptions on structural imperfections, the measured geometric imperfections serve as input values for systematic FE-calculations of the load-bearing capacity of imperfection-sensitive timber components. The comparison of "numerically" determined equivalent imperfections with the approaches of the Eurocode allows an evaluation of the existing verification methods and the derivation of recommendations for improved approaches.

Finally, recommendations for the equivalent imperfections of glulam beams and beech LVL members are developed, which allow an economic design at a uniform safety level.

Project Team

Institute of Structural Design, University of Stuttgart
Head of Institute:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. U. Kuhlmann
Project Manager: Janusch Töpler, M.Sc

Project Funding

DIBt (Deutsche Institut für Bautechnik)

Project Duration

01.2020 - 07.2022

Publications

Kuhlmann, U.; Töpler, J.: Imperfections of slender glulam beams. In: Proceedings of  the 8th Meeting of the International Network on Timber Engineering (INTER), 54-12-3, Online, 16.08.-19.08.2021.

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