Dlubal RX-TIMBER Column - Introductory Example for Design of Timber Column

In Germany, DIN EN 1991-1-3 with National Annex DIN EN 1991-1-3/NA regulates snow loads. The standard applies to civil engineering works at altitudes of up to 1,500 m above sea level.

Using the Timber Design add-on, timber column design is possible according to the 2018 NDS standard ASD method. Accurately calculating timber member compressive capacity and adjustment factors is important for safety considerations and design. The following article will verify the maximum critical buckling strength calculated by the Timber Design add-on using step-by-step analytical equations as per the NDS 2018 standard including the compressive adjustment factors, adjusted compressive design value, and final design ratio.

When calculating regular structures, data input is often not complicated but time-consuming. Input automation can save valuable time. The task described in the present article is to consider the stories of a house as single construction stages. Data is entered using a C# program so that the user does not have to enter the elements of the individual floors manually.

In RX-TIMBER Column, the following calculation settings are available:

• Selection of the designs to be performed (ULS, SLS, fire resistance)
• Determination of displaying support forces and deformations
• Definition of parameters for fire resistance design according to the simplified method

After the calculation, the results of performed designs, including all required intermediate values, are displayed in clearly arranged result tables sorted by various criteria.

Since the program displays the intermediate values in detail, the transparency of all designs is ensured. Furthermore, it is possible to display the distribution of results for each x-location of the column. This way, both the deformations and the individual internal forces can be displayed.

Designs with design details and selected result diagrams can be added in the printout report, providing clearly arranged documentation. It is possible to select which calculation data will be covered in the printout.

There are various options available for column modeling. Graphical representations facilitate the geometry input. Modifications are updated automatically. The relevant timber grade of the material can be selected from the material library. The strength classes of glulam, poplar, and softwood timber are available as defined in the respective standards.

Furthermore, it is possible to generate a strength class with user-defined material properties in order to extend the library. The load cases entered can be checked graphically and combined automatically in load combinations.