Disproportionate collapse system for timber frame buildings

摘要

The system comprises a number of timber columns 12, 14 arranged to be key elements of the construction; a number of edge perimeter rim beams having ends located upon adjacent columns to bridge between the columns and provide a continuous rim surrounding the perimeter of the construction. One of the rim beams is formed in at least two longitudinal sections 24, 26 being joined connected or coupled together using a bridging connector. The connector may be an elongate metal plate with a width less than half the height of the rim beam and located towards the lower edge of the beam in use. The rim beam may be part of a floor cassette. The invention reduces the need for a single large beam and splits separates or divides a rim beam into double the number of half pieces. In the event of a notional accident damage to the structure causes the upper edges of the adjacent rim beams to compress together while the connector holds the lower edges together.