TIMBER DESIGN

PROPERTIES OF WOOD
a.) EDGE GRAIN growth rings are not approximately at right angles with
the surface lumber.

b.) FLAT GRAIN face is approximately tangent to the growth ring.

c.) CROSS GRAIN is the deviation of the direction of the fibers of the wood
from a line parallel to the edges of the piece.
MODULUS OF ELASTICITY (E)
- is the measure of stiffness and durability of materials of a beam, it is
the measurement of the resistance to deflection.
COMPRESSION
- ability of wood to resist compressive stresses, depends upon the
direction of the load with respect to the grain of wood then in
compression perpendicular to grain.
TENSION PARALLEL TO GRAIN
- same as unit fiber stress in bending.
SHEARING STRESS
- ability of timber to resist slippage of one part another along the grain.
In beam, it is known as the horizontal shear.
NOMINAL SIZE
- is the same as undressed size. Dressed size is the actual dimension of
a finished product.

WOODEN BEAM
BEAM AND BENDING
BEAM is a structural member subjected to bending flexure induced by
traversed loads.
BENDING MOMENT is the summation of moment taken to left or right of
the section about the neutral axis.

TWO TYPES OF BENDINGS

a.) SYMMETRICAL BENDING is that in which the plane of application
of the load is perpendicular to any principal area.

b.) UNSYMMETRICAL BENDING the application of the load is not at

any principal axes but causes both the major and minor axis.
W

CONDITIONS OF EQUILIBRIUM

1.) The summation of tensile stress is equal to the summation of compressive

stress.

FH = 0
2.) The summation of external shear, VE is equal to summation of resisting
shear, VR

FV = 0; FE = VR
3.) The summation of external moment ME is equal to summation of resisting
moment.

ME
VE

COMPRESSION

MR

VR

TENSION

FOUR MAJOR CONSIDERATION OF BENDING DESIGN

1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)

The beam must be safe from flexural bending.

The beam must be safe from allowable shear stress.
The beam must be safe from deflection.
The beam must be safe from end bearing and end connection.

RESISTING MOMENT OF RECTANGULAR BEAM

 The resisting moment must be equal or > the external moment.

OTHER FORMULA FOR FLEXURAL STRESS:

Rectangular:

Triangle:
Tube:

FLOOR SYSTEM

S= bh2 ; fb = 6M
6
bh2
S= r3 ; fb = 4M
4
r3
S= bh2 ; fb = 6M
24
bh2
S= (R4 - r4)
4R

S
TRIBUTARY AREA
FLOORING

JOIST
GIRDER (Main Beam)

COLUMN / POST

DERIVATION OF FLEXURAL FORMULA:

ELASTIC CURVE

N.A.
d
dx

X
C

By Ratio and Proportion Stress Diagram

fb
x

f = c fb
x
f=x f
c
therefore:
fb = f
Summing of Moment from N.A.

M = fb dAx
= f dAx
c

fb = f
fb = Mc
I

I = dAx2
FOR RECTANGULAR SECTION:

f = Mc
I

fb = 12Md/2
bd2
fb = 6M
bd2

where:
I = bd3 ; c = d
12
2

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE:
1. A wooden beam 150 mm x 250 mm is to carry the loads shown.
Determine the maximum flexural stress of the beam.
150mm

15 Kn
250mm

6 Kn / m

2m

1m

MA =0

14

RB = 15 (2) + 6
(3) (1.5)
3
RB = 19 kN

2
-13
-19

MB =0

16

RA = 15 (2) + 6 (3) (1.5)

3
RA = 19 kN

Mmax = 16 KN-m

fb = 6M
bd2
= 6 (16) (1000)2
150 (250) 2
fb = 10.24 MPa

2. A timber beam 100 mm x 300 mm x 8 m carries he loading as

shown. If the max. flexural stress is 9 MPa. For what max. value of
w will the shear be zero under P. What is the value of P?
P

6m

2m

MA =0
RB = 6P + w(8) (4)
8
RB = 4w + 0.75P
MB =0
RA = 2P + 8w (4)
8
RA = 0.25P + 4w

V&P=0
Substitute P = 8w

Then:

0 = (4w + 0.25P) 6w
(8w) 0 = -2w +0.25P
2w = 0.25P
P = 8w

4.5 = 4w + 2.05
w = 0.75 KN 750 N

Mmax = 3 (4w + 0.25P)

fb = 6M
bd2
9MPa = 6(3)(4w + 0.25P)(1000)2
(100)(300)2
4.5 = 4w + 0.25P

Solve for P:

P = 8(750)
P = 6000N

3. A floor joist 50 mm x 200 mm simply supported on a 4 m span,

carry a floor joist load at 5 KN/m2. Compute the centerline spacing
between the joists to develop a bending stress of 8 MPa. What safe
floor load could be carried on a centerline spacing of 0.40 m?

6m
50mm

200 mm

Soln:

a.)

b.) s = 0.40m ; w = ?

Mmax = wL2

Mmax = wL2
8
2

= 5s(4)
8
Mmax = 10s KN-m

8
= 0.40(P)(4) 2
8
Mmax = 0.80P

fb = 6M

fb = 6M

bd2

bd2

8 = 6(10s)(1000) 2
(50)(200)2
s = 0.27m

HORIZONTAL SHEARING STRESS

General Equation

fv = VQ

8 = 6(0.8P)(1000) 2
(50)(200)2
P = 3.33 KN-m

Ib
where:
fv = shear stress; MPa
V = shear force or Vmax; KN or N
Q = statistical moment
I = moment of inertia
FOR RECTANGULAR SECTION (DERIVATION)
where:
h/4
h/2
N.A.
h

I = bh3
12
Q = h bh
4
2
2
Q = bh
8

b
Substitute Q in the gen. eqn

fv = VQ
Ib
V {bh2 }
=
8
3
bh b
12

FOR ANY SECTION

fv = k(V/A)
k = 3/2 for rectangular
k = 4/3 for circular
k = 2 for circular thinning
k = bet. 3/2 4/3
for trapezoidal section

fv = 3V = 3V
2bh 2A

DESIGN OF BEAMS
PROCEDURE:
1.) Load Analysis compute the loads, the beam will be required to
support and make a dimension sketch (beam); V and M diagram to
shown the loads their location.
2.) Determine the max. bending moment and max. shear. Compute the
required section modulus from the flexural or solve for bh, select
adequate section.

b/h = or R/h 20

3.) Investigate/ analyze the beam selected for bending and horizontal
shear if it falls, revise the section. Investigate the beam for
deflection.
Problem: The second floor of an apartment building is a constructed out of 1 in.
thick T&G flooring on floor joist are supported by girders spaced @ 2.5 m o.c.
Design the floor joist using 63% stress grade guijo . LL = 4.8 KPa; Gs = 0.65.
TRIBUTARY AREA
FLOORNG

2.5 m

0.4 m

Data: flooring: T & G = 1

Joist = 63% Stress grade
fb = 17.1 Mpa
fv = 1.89 Mpa

Soln.
[1] Load Analysis
w = D.L + L.L

L.L = 4800(0.4)

D.L. = 0.65(9810)(0.0254)(0.4)

L.L = 1920

D.L = 64.79 N/m

w = D.L + L.L
= 64.79 + 1920
w = 1984.79
[2.] Max. Moment and Max Shear

W
L/2

L/2

Vmax = wL

2
= 1984.79 (2.50)/2
Vmax = 2480.99 N

Mmax

Mmax = wL2
8
= 1984.79(2.5) 2
8
Mmax = 1550.62 N-m

FLEXURE:
fb = MC = 6M
I
bd2
17.1 = 6(1550.62)(1000)
bh2
2
bh = 544,077.19 mm3
therefore:
b= 544,007.19
(129.59) 2

b = 1 = b= h
h 4
4
therefore:
bh2 = h h2
4
h3 = 544,077.19 mm3
4
therefore: h = 129.59 mm 150 mm
b = 32.4 mm 50 mm

[3.] ANALYSIS
w = DL + LL
from flexure
DL = 64.79 + (0.65)(9810)(0.050)(0.15)
= 112.61 N/m
fb = 6M
LL = 1920 N/m
bd2
therefore:
= 6(1587.98)(1000)
w = DL + LL
50(150) 2
= 112.61 +1920
fb = 8.47 MPa < 17.1 MPa
w = 2032.61 N/m
SAFE
Mmax = wL2
8
from shear
2
= 2032.61(2.5)
8
fv = 3 V
Mmax = 1587.98 N-m
2 A
Vmax = wL
3 2540.76
2
2 50(150)
= 2032.61(2.5)
fv = 0.51 MPa < 1.89 MPa
2
SAFE
Vmax = 2540.76 N
Adopt: 50 mm x 150 mm floor joist

PROBLEM:
Timber 200 mm x 300 mm and 5 m long, supported at top and bottom,
back up a dam restraining water deep (3 m). Compute the centerline spacing of
the timber to cause a flexural stress of 7 MPa.

P =f

= 9.81 (3)
P = 29.43 KN-m
Solving the reactions due to fluid pressure
MR1 = 0
R2 = 29.43s(3)[2/3(3) + 2]
2(5)
R2 = 35.32s
2m

5m

MR2 = 0
R1 = 29.43s(3)[(1/3)(3)]
(2)5
R1 =8.83s

Solving for x and Mmax: in terms of s:

VA
2m

X = 1.34m

R1

by ratio & proportion

_ _
y/ x = 29.43(s)
3
_
y = 9.81(s)(x)
fv = 0
VA = 0 = 8.83s 0.5(9.81s)x2
0 = 8.83s 4.905s(x2)
x = 1.34 m
MA = Mmax

MA

Mmax = 8.83s(3.34) - 0.5(9.81)s(1.34)[(1/3) 1.34]

Mmax = 26.56s
Therefore:
fb = 6M
bd2
7 = 6(26.56s)(1000)2
200(300) 2
s = 0.79 mm

NOTCHED BEAMS
b
d1

THE REQUIRED ARE GIVEN BY:

fv = 3 V or 3 V
2 A
2 bd
fv = 3 V ; d = bd1
2 b d1
OR
d1 = 3 V d
2 fv b
LENGTH OF A NOTCH
V
ZQ

R = Vmax = (ZQ)b
therefore:
L = 2Vmax
ZQb
where:

L = length of the notch

ZQ = allowable stress in compression

to the given

DEFLECTION OF BEAMS
Allowable Limits:
L/360
L/700
L/200
L/480
L/360

= for beams carrying plastered ceiling

= for beams carrying a line of shafting
= for railroad stringer
= for beams supporting concrete forms of R.C. slabs or beams
= for all other unless specified

1. Use full value of Youngs Modulus of Elasticity, if the deflection is due to

transmit loads like live loads.
2. Use a portion of E ranging from to if the deflection is due to a
constant load like DL.
= kwL2
EI
where:
k = numerical coeff. depending on the load of the beam
w = total load; KN/m
L = span in meter
E = Modulus of Elasticity
I = Moment of Inertia

METHODS IN CALCULATING DEFLECTIONS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Unit load method

Method of superposition
Conjugate method
Double integration
3 Moment Equation

Example:
Design the beam shown using 80% stress grade guijo.
Data:
For 80% guijo

fb = 21.8 Mpa
fv = 2.4 Mpa
Za = 4.26 Mpa

1.5

3.0

1.5

1.5

Reactions:
Ma =0
Rb = 2(4.5)(.75)+10(3)+1.67
6
Rb = 6.4 KN
Ma =0
Ra = 10(3)+2(4.5)(5.25)-1.67
6
Ra = 12.6 KN

Mmax = 17.55 KN.M

Vmax = 9.60KN

2.) TRIAL SECTION

LOAD:

fb = 21.8 Mpa
fv = 2.4 Mpa

b = h/4
h/4 h = 4.83 x106
h = 268.33 mm say 300mm
b = 67.08 mm say 100mm

for flexure:

fb = 6M

try: 100X 300 mm BEAM.

bh
21.8 N/mm = 6(17.55 KN.m)(1000)
bh
bh = 4.83 x106
CHECK FROM fv

LENGTH OF THE NOTCH

fv = 3/2 Vmax

= .48

L = 2V
ZQb

ZQ = 4.26 Mpa

A
2.4 = 3/29.6(1000)
L= 2(9.6)(1000)
100(300)
4.26(100)
L = 45.07 mm
fvall > fvact safe!
Adopt:100X300mm (BEAM)
3.) DEPTH OF THE NOTCH

d=

3/2 V/fv d or h

b
d=

3/2 (9.6 x 1000) 300

2.4
100

d = 134.16 mm

d1 =
134.16

45.07

ANALYSIS OF IRREGULAR SECTION:

Problem:
The T section is the cross section of the beam formed by the
joining two regular pieces of wood together the beam is subjected to a max.
shearing force of 60 KN. DET.
a.) Shearing stress of the N.A.
b.) Shearing stress @ the junction bet. two pieces of wood.
FIGURE:
200 mm

40 mm
CONECTION

100 mm

20 mm

SOLUTION:
a.) Solve for N.A. (V. Theorem)

A1 = 200 (40) = 8,000

A2 = 100 (20) = 2,000
AT = 10,000 mm
_
10,000 y = 8000(20) + 2000(90)
_
therefore: y = 34 mm from top
for: b = 200; Q = 200(34)(17)
Q = 115,600 mm3
Solve for I (by transfer formula)
INA = I + Ad
=

[200(40) + 8000(14) + 20(100)

12
INA = 10.57x106 mm4

+ 200(56)

12

fv = VQ = 60(1000)(115,600) = 3.28 MPa

Ib
10.57x106 (200)
b.) Shear stress from the joint

For: b = 20 mm; Q = 20(100)(56)

Q = 112,000 mm3
fv = VQ = 60(1000)(112,000) = 3.28 MPa
Ib
10.57x106 (200)
fv = 31.79 MPa
For: b = 200 mm; Q = 200(40)(14)
Q = 112,000 mm3
fv = VQ = 60(1000)(112,000) = 3.28 MPa
Ib
10.57x106 (200)
fv = 3.18 MPa
PROBLEM:
Determine the safe concentrated load P @ the center of the trapezoidal
section having a simple span of ? m; if fbALL = 10.34 MPa, neglect beam weight.

75 mm
62.5

12.61

N.A

8.22

41.67

REF ()

115 mm

APPLIED LOAD
P

3m

Solution:
Mmax = PL/4
= 6P/4
Mmax = 1.5P

3m

eqn 1

From: fb = MC
I
Locate N.A.:
A1 = 75(125) = 9375 mm
A2 = 2[1/2 (115) (125)] = 14375 mm
AT = 23750 mm
By V. Theorem:
23750 yb = 9375 (62.5) + 14375 (14.67)
yb = 49.89 mm
FOR INA
INA = I + Ad
=

[75 (125)

+ 9375 (12.61)2

] + 2 [115 (125)

12
INA = 27.15x106 mm4
fb = MC
I
10.34 = 1.5P (49.89) (1000)
INA
P = 3.75 KN

BEAMS LATERALLY UNSUPPORTED

Allowable Extreme Fiber Stress:

36

+ 115 (125) (8.22) 2

2

f = fb [1 L
100b

- when the span with no lateral supports exceeds 20 times the width of
the member or:

L > 20
B
where: f = allowable extreme fiber stress for a beam laterally supported
fb or fp = allowable extreme finer stress for the timber when beam is
laterally supported
L = unsupported span of the beam
b = width of the beam
PROBLEM:
A beam having a span length of 4.5 m has two concentrated load of 13.5
KN at the third points of the span, the beam is laterally unsupported. Design the
approximate size of the beam to carry these loads. If the allowable bending
stress is 9.7 MPa for a beam laterally supported and an allowable shearing
stress of 0.83 MPa. Assume weight of wood is 0.3 KN/m3.
Given: fb = 9.7 MPa
fv = 0.83 MPa
g = 6.3 KN/m
Soln:
from flexure:
fb = 6M
bd2
9.7 = 6 (20.25) (1000) 2
bd2
therefore: bd2 = 12.53x106
but: b = d/4 ; d/2
try: b = d/2
d/2 (d) = 12.53x106

13.5
1.5

13.5
1.5

1.5

20.25

therefore: d = 292.64 mm 300 mm

b = 146.31 mm 150 mm
try: 150 mm x 300 mm
From Shearing
fv = 3/2 (V/A)
= 3 (13.5) (1000)
2 (150) (300)
fv = 0.45 MPa < 0.83 MPa ok!
CHECK:
L/b > 20
L/b = 4500 = 30 > 20 ok!

R1 = 13.5 KN
R2 = 13.5 KN
Vmax = 13.5 KN
Mmax =20.25 KN-m

150

Considering the weight of the beam:

13.5
13.5
1.5

14.13

1.5

Beam wt. = 6.3 (0.15) (0.30)

= 0.28 KN/m
Vmax = 14.13 KN
Mmax = 20.96 KN-m

1.5

13.71
0.21
-0.21
-13.71

-14.13

20.96

20.88

20.88

From Shearing:

From Bending:

fv = 3 (14.13) (1000)
150 (300)
fv = 0.47 < 0.83 ok!
Then:
fb = 6M
bd2
= 6 (20.96) (1000)2
100 (300)2
fb = 9.32 MPa > 6.79 MPa not ok!
Revise the Dimension:
bd2 = 12.53x106
d = 368.66 mm 375 mm
b = 92.17 mm 200 mm
try: 200mm x 375 mm

f = 9.7 1 4500
100(150)
f = 6.79 MPa

f = 9.7 1 4500
100 (200)
f = 7.52 MPa

fb = 6M
bd2
= 6 (20.96) (1000)2
200 (375)2
fb = 4.97 MPa < 7.52 MPa ok!

BEAM IN UNSYMMETRICAL BENDING

METHOD 1: MOMENT RESOLUTION METHOD
W
WN
Where:
Wn = Wcos
WT
WT = Wsin

a. Due to normal load

fbN = 6MN
bd2
WN
d
b

b. Due to tangential load

WT
d

fbT = 6MT
bd2
b

fbWT = fbW + fbf fbALL

(Bi-axial Bending)
METHOD 2: JACOBYS METHOD
tan= d2/b2 tan = Ix/Iy tan
WN

W
WT

=b

where:
y = (dcos + bsin)
I = bd/2[(dcos ) 2 + (bsin)2]
(dcos + bsin)
2IX
2IY

PROBLEM:
Check the adequacy of 50 mm x 70 mm, purlin spaced at 0.6 m O.C. if it
has a single span of 1.5 m and a 63% stress grade tanguile is used.

0.6
0.6

Soln:
WDL = Wt roof + Wt purlins
= 0.10 (0.6) + 1 (0.6)
WDL = 0.66 KN/m

WDL = 0.77 (0.6) cos20

= 0.434 KN/m
WTOTAL = 1.09 KN/m
fbALL fbACT
fbALL = 10.9 MPa

1.5 m
fbACT = fbN + fbT

PROBLEM:
In the figure shown, the support @ A is 12 mm below the level of B. If the
beam is 75 mm x 150 mm, E = 13.8 GPa, determine the flexural stress of the
beam.
PROBLEM:
A 100 mm x 200 mm beam 6 m long is supported @ the ends and at
midspan. It carries uniform load of 7.5 KN/m exceeding its own weight.
Determine the max. flexural stress of the beam if the allowable deflection is
limited to 10 mm; E = 13.8 GPa. g = 5.6 KN/m3

SPACING OF RIVETS/BOLTS IN BUILT-UP BEAMS:

PROBLEM:
A distributed load w (KN/m) is applied over the entire length of the simply
supported beam 4 m long. The beam section is a box beam built-up as shown,
and secured by screw spaced 50 mm apart. Determine the maximum value of w
if fb = 10 MPa; fv = 0.80 MPa and the screws have a shearing strength of 800 N
each.

PROBLEM:
Three planks 75 mm x 200 mm are bolted together to form a built-up
beam with 100 mm bolt in a single row-spaced 125 mm apart. If the bolts can
develop 90 MPa shear, what is the safe uniform load a cantilever beam with 3 m
span could carry neglecting beam weight.