Structural tests were conducted to determine the strength and deflection characteristics of an 8 by 10 foot light-timber barn frame constructed with 3.5-inch square Douglas-fir members and round mortise and tenon joints. Structural analyses of the frame were also conducted using finite element methods and predicted deflections compared with test values. Results of the tests indicated that the roof and frame system could withstand positive and negative roof loads of 10,000 pounds, or 125 psf. Diagonalbracing or shear resistant siding likely would be needed to resist high lateral loads, however. Relatively close agreement was obtained between predicted and test deflections, after taking the semi-rigid behavior of the joints into account. Overall, results of the study indicate that high strength, ease and simplicity of construction, and the fact that members can be machined from small-diameter tree stems makes round mortise and tenon light timber frame construction well-suited for relieving both long- and short-term shelter problems, particularly in less-developed countries.
展开▼
