Comparative Evaluation of Structural Behavior Between Timber Systems and Timber-Concrete Composite Systems

The overall objective of this Master’s Thesis is to conduct a comparative technical, structural, and economic analysis of two construction systems applied to two building types, assessing which of them offers a better balance between technical efficiency and structural performance.

Author	Carlos Romero Gómez
University	University of the Basque Country/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (EHU), Spain

A three-story timber commercial building with a span of 7.5 x 7.5 meters.

Three-Storey Timber Commercial Building

General Objective

Compare the structural behavior, technical efficiency, and estimated cost of the following structural systems:

Engineered timber, glued laminated timber (GLT) + CLT.
Composite system: GLT + (CLT + concrete)

This is done through modeling and analysis using Dlubal's RFEM 6 software, with Eurocode 5 serving as the basis for the design standards.

Specific Objectives

1. Model and calculate both structural systems using a parametric environment in Dlubal's RFEM 6 software, applying Eurocode criteria and standard load conditions.

2. Define and analyze structural solutions for two distinct building types:

Residential building (5 x 5 m spans).
Commercial building (7.5 x 7.5 m spans).

3. Compare key parameters, such as:

Thicknesses and dimensions of structural elements.
Deformations and internal forces.
Total self-weight of the structure.
Fire resistance according to Eurocode 5, Part 1-2.

4. Estimate the structural costs associated with each system, taking into account materials, assembly, and logistics.

5. Draw conclusions that enable structural decisions consistent with the project’s sustainability objectives.

6. Acquire and apply knowledge in the use of Dlubal’s structural analysis software for finite element modeling and analysis.

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Complete Master's Thesis

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