Limit states design for timber I-beams with trellis webs

This paper is concerned with the limit states design of timber hardwood I-beams with trellis webs. Timber I-beams with trellis webs have the potential of achieving substantial market share through cost-effective construction and design provided sufficient strength and serviceability limits are guaranteed. However a design methodology of this kind does not currently exist. In this paper, an overview of structural reliability and its applications to timber structures are presented together with a design procedure for timber I-beams with trellis webs. Theoretical models and experimental results are used to quantify the design parameters and verify the failure modes. An example is given to illustrate the design methodology.