Bld512 Lecture Note
Bld512 Lecture Note
BLD 512
for
Department of Building
Federal University of Technology Minna. Niger State.
GRADES AND TYPES OF TIMBER
1. Introduction to Timber in Construction
Timber is one of the oldest building materials used in civil engineering and construction
due to its strength, durability, and availability. It is obtained from trees and classified
based on species, strength, and usage.
2. Classification of Timber
Timber can be classified based on the following:
What is Plywood?
Plywood is a composite material manufactured from thin layers, or "plies", of wood veneer
that have been stacked and glued together. It is an engineered wood from the family of
manufactured boards, which include plywood, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), oriented
strand board (OSB), and particle board (or chipboard).
All plywoods bind resin and wood fibre sheets (cellulose cells are long, strong and thin) to
form a composite material. The sheets of wood are stacked such that each layer has its grain
set typically (see below) perpendicular to its adjacent layers. This alternation of the grain is
called cross-graining and has several important benefits: it reduces the tendency of wood to
split when nailed at the edges; it reduces thickness swelling and shrinkage, providing
improved dimensional stability; and it makes the strength of the panel consistent across all
directions. There is usually an odd number of plies, so that the sheet is balanced, that is, the
surface layers have their grains set parallel to one another. This balance reduces warping.
Because plywood is bonded with grains running against one another and with an odd number
of composite parts, it has high stiffness perpendicular to the grain direction of the surface ply.
Smaller, thinner, and lower-quality plywoods may only have their plies (layers) arranged at
right angles to each other. Some better-quality plywood products by design have five plies in
steps of 45 degrees (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 degrees), giving strength in multiple axes.
What Is MDF?
Beadboard is a type of MDF made with faux tongue-and-groove patterns. It is often used to
make easy, inexpensive wainscotting treatments and other wall paneling effects.
Slatwall is a particular type of MDF panel that has deep-lipped grooves. These panels are
often used for commercial display walls or for special shelving or storage systems.
Moisture-resistant MDF makes use of special resins that make it a good choice in bathrooms,
kitchens, and floors, where high humidity can cause standard MDF to swell.
Fire-retardant MDF is often specified where construction needs to have extra fire resistance.
Most commonly, it is seen in commercial buildings.
Ultralite MDF weighs one third less than standard MDF, so it is popular for use in theater sets
or tradeshow booths, where structures must be periodically assembled and disassembled.
Bendy MDF is processed in a manner that allows the panels to readily curve. Architects often
specify this material to create curved walls and trim.
What is Glulam?
Glulam is a natural alternative to steel or concrete. Glulam is a natural structural material that
is economical, strong and attractive looking.
By the turn of the last century, German structural design engineer Otto Hetzer presented a
patent described as “a bent structural component of timber for building applications", which
later became known as Glulam.
Glulam is made by gluing together – under pressure and heat – laminates of timber that have
been accurately planed. The resulting product is strong, stable and corrosion proof with
significant advantages over structural steel and concrete.
Glulam is made with wood from Scandinavian sustainable forests. Scandinavian forests are
some of the best managed in the world, where reforestation and environmental considerations
are given high priority. The trees used are usually spruce, though can sometimes be redwood
or Siberian larch.
The manufacture, distribution, and treatment of Glulam all consume less energy than any
other building materials. Glulam is a long-lasting material that’s easy to work with.
Glulam Ltd has the largest stock of Glulam beams in the UK.
What is LVL?
LVL is part of a family of products, structural composite lumber, that are made of dried and
graded wood veneers, strands or flakes that are layered upon one another and bonded together
with a moisture resistant adhesive into large blocks known as billets. Other products in this
group include laminated strand lumber (LSL) and parallel strand lumber (PSL). In the case of
LVL, veneers are bonded together under heat and pressure.
How is LVL made?
LVL is made from rotary-peeled veneers that are bonded together under heat and pressure
into large panels that are cut into range of widths. Phenol-formaldehyde resins provide
waterproof bonds. A diverse range of species can be used to produce LVL—such as Douglas-
fir, larch, pine and spruce—to produce members that are beyond conventional lumber
lengths. Typically, LVL veneers are oriented in the same direction.
LVL is suitable for use as beams, trusses, planks and rafters. When cross-bonded for
increased stiffness it can be used to form wall and floor panels with load-bearing capacity.
While frequently used solely as a concealed structural component of a building, finished
appearance grades are also used.
3. Grades of Timber
3.1. Structural Grading of Timber
Structural grading is used to classify timber based on its strength and defects. There are two
main types:
1. Visual Grading
2. Machine Grading
Timber is a versatile material with various grades and types suited for different
engineering applications. Proper selection and treatment enhance its strength, durability,
and sustainability.
7. Discussion Questions
1. What is the difference between hardwood and softwood?
2. How is timber grading performed?
3. Why is engineered timber preferred in modern construction?
4. What are the main defects found in timber?
5. How does seasoning improve timber quality?
This lecture note provides a comprehensive overview of timber grading and types for
undergraduate students in Building and Civil Engineering.
8. Sample Calculation: Moisture Content Adjustment
Problem Statement:
A timber beam initially has a moisture content of 30% and is dried to 15%. If the initial
weight is 50 kg, determine the final weight.
Solution:
✔ Dead Loads (DLDLDL) – Weight of structure and permanent materials (e.g., timber
members, roofing).
✔ Live Loads (LLLLLL) – Occupants, furniture, and movable elements.
✔ Wind Loads (WLWLWL) – Lateral and uplift forces on walls and roofs.
✔ Snow and Seismic Loads (SLSLSL, ELELEL) – Environmental effects in specific
regions.
Structural timber members are designed based on BS 5268 (Allowable Stress Design) and
Eurocode 5 (Limit State Design):
✔ Ultimate Limit State (ULS) – Ensures the structure withstands failure conditions.
✔ Serviceability Limit State (SLS) – Ensures deflection and vibration remain within
acceptable limits.
3. Structural Analysis of Timber-Framed Building
Members
3.1. Analysis of Timber Beams
7. Discussion Questions
1. How does moisture content affect timber strength?
2. What is the importance of trusses in timber buildings?
3. Why is fire protection crucial in modern timber structures?
4. How do engineered wood products improve construction efficiency?
5. What are the design limitations of timber columns?
DESIGN OF TIMBER TRUSSES
1. Introduction to Timber Trusses
A timber truss is a structural framework composed of triangular units connected at joints
to support roof, floor, or bridge loads. Trusses efficiently distribute loads and provide
lightweight, durable, and cost-effective solutions in modern construction.
(Diagram showing King Post, Queen Post, Howe, and Pratt trusses with labeled
components.)
(Illustration showing force flow through members, including tension and compression zones.)
9. Discussion Questions
1. Why is triangulation important in truss design?
2. What factors affect timber truss joint strength?
3. How does moisture content impact truss performance?
4. Compare Howe vs. Pratt trusses for long spans.
5. Explain wind load effects on timber trusses.