Timber framing provides several benefits: it is fast and cost-effective to construct, allows for flexibility in extensions, is environmentally friendly, and lends buildings a natural, earthy charm. Historically, timber was the primary building material due to its abundance and the lack of alternatives. While timber construction is still used today for its aesthetics, other structural systems like concrete and steel became prevalent in the late 1800s as they allowed for greater spans, lighter structures, increased fire resistance, and were more versatile and economical. Timber framing is now commonly used for high-end residential buildings, restaurants, lodges, and other projects where aesthetics are important.

2. Benefits of Timber Framing:
1. Fast, efficient and cost effective
2. Flexible to add further extensions
3. Environmentally friendly
4. Hand crafted
5. Unique character
6. Buildings with an organic, natural, earthly charm
Introduction

3. Timber building structure
Introduction
Timber Framing
(Post & Beams const.)
Roof Structure

4. 5.1 INTRODUCTION TO BUILDING FRAMES
• Wood beams have been used to span roofs and floors of buildings from
the beginning of civilization
• Earlier roof timbers were combined with load bearing masonry walls to
build houses and public buildings
• British and European carpenters built buildings exclusively with hand-
hewn timbers with wood-to-wood connections. This was brought over
to North America
• Present day heavy timber construction, with exterior walls of masonry
or concrete, is listed in building codes as Type 4 construction.
• Progression of European timber frame construction
• Construction of exclusively heavy timber construction
• Form of an exclusively heavy timber construction

5. Timber Construction History
 Till the Late 1800s most
– Construction was Timber (and/or masonry) with
– Wood to Wood Connections
WHY?
 Timer (Trees) Plentiful
 Craftsman Available
 Nails & Fasteners Rare & Expensive
 Few Alternatives

6. Timber Construction Today
Why so Little Timber Construction Today?
 Alternate Structural Systems Available
 For Both Residential & Commercial
 Commercial Alternatives
 Concrete & Steel (late 1800s)
 Advantages over Timber
– Greater spans
– Lighter structures
– Increased fire resistance
– Increased versatility
– More economical

7. Commercial Alternatives
Concrete & Steel (late 1800s)
Advantages over Timber
– Greater spans
– Lighter structures
– Increased fire resistance
– Increased versatility
– More economical

8. Residential Alternatives
Light Wood Framing (mid 1800s)
Fasteners available @ reasonable price
Advantages
* Lighter structure * Used less material * Quicker to erect
* More economical
Where/when is timber construction typically used today?
 Aesthetics, appearance, feel important
– Uniqueness of Timber Construction
 Common Uses
– * High end residential * Restaurants, lodges, etc.
– * Public areas requiring aesthetics

9. Timber Const. Element
Vertical Horizontal
- Post
- Wall stud
- Beams
- Wall Plate

10. Instead of decorative purpose:
1. Transmit load.
2. Resist lateral forces
3. Support beams
Timber (Load)
Through :
Compressions
(Equilibrium, instability &
loads)

11. Stress
COMPRESSIVE

12. Timber Frame Construction –
Standard Two Storey House
PHASE 1 – The Office
• Engineer receives clients plans and carries out structural
calculations for the timber frame house.
PHASE 2 – The Factory
• Floor joists, wall panels and roof
trusses are manufactured according
to engineers specifications. The timber
frame materials are loaded onto a lorry
and delivered to site.

13. Timber Frame Construction –
Standard Two Storey House
PHASE 3 – The Site – DAY 1
• The base for the timber structure is marked out.
The external walls are erected followed by the
internal partitions. The timber floor joists are then
lifted into position with the first floor wall panels
being installed on top of the floor joists.

14. Timber Frame Construction –
Standard Two Storey House
PHASE 3 – The Site – DAY 2
• The roof trusses are lifted by crane and laid
into position on top of the first floor wall
panels.

15. Timber Frame Construction –
Standard Two Storey House
PHASE 3 – The Site – DAYs 3-5
• The timber frame is completed as follows:
fire stops and dpc’s are put in place
roof is felt and battened
fascia is erected
The Timber Frame House is now ready for the blocklayer,
glazing, roof tiller, electrician etc !!