EFFECT OF DESIGN CONFIGURATION ON GLOBAL STIFFNESS OF VOLUMETRIC TIMBER MODULES

Due to the environmental advantages of wood as a construction material and the distinct benefits of modular construction in terms of time savings, modular timber buildings have recently gained interest in academia and industry. Additionally, volumetric modules are promising in terms of their potential for reuse. Currently, industry is challenged with ensuring the structural capability of volumetric modules while simultaneously fulfilling the criteria for creating large openings for facades and windows. Therefore, this study examines the impact of design configurations on the structural performance of volumetric timber modules to enhance their application in buildings, utilising practical data from the Danish building industry. Numerical analyses of the volumetric product are carried out using a high-fidelity model, including the fasteners, to determine the response to different external loads. The initial model is subjected to various design configurations to investigate their impact on the overall stiffness of the volumetric module. The discussion will serve as a reference for improving volumetric timber module design throughout the industry.