Development of High Performance Structural Timver Systems for Non Residential Buildings in New Zealand and Australia

摘要

Design of structural systems for commercial and multi-residential buildings throughout most parts of the world, is currently dominated by the use of reinforced and / or prestressed concrete construction, usually supported by steel or concrete beams and frames. However, recent developments throughout the world have demonstrated the potential for timber based structural systems to be used in these types of buildings for beams and columns, roof structures and floors. The advent of engineered wood products (EWP's) such as LVL and glulam has made it possible to fabricate large section, long spanning structural members that have excellent structural properties and reliability equivalent to that of steel or concrete used in the same applications. Since 2007, significant (and related) research initiatives have been undertaken in Australia and New Zealand, investigating the performance of timber and timber hybrid systems for use in large span / medium rise commercial and industrial buildings. In 2009 a research consortium of government, industry and three Universities known as the Structural Timber Innovation Company (STIC) commenced an extensive R&D 5 year program with a total budget of $10m NZD. This paper presents an overview of each area of research, describing the focus of work to date, discussion of issues that have been identified and addressed, as well as details of expected outcomes.