Investigation of raw timber elements for the design of a hunting stand structure

There is an increasing need for less resource-intensive and waste-reducing measures in the design and production of timber structures. Traditionally, irregular branches from tree crowns are often left unused, despite making up nearly 50% of a tree's volume in broadleaf trees. In a research seminar conducted at the RWTH Aachen University, students explored design and analysis concepts of using these unprocessed irregular timber elements for architectural and structural applications, drawing inspiration from early human shelters. Our interdisciplinary team, consisting of two civil engineering students and two architecture students, utilized 3D models of tree branch geometry generated from point cloud scans to design a hunting stand structure. A complete 3D model of the hunting stand was created and was structurally analyzed using finite element simulations of both the global system and selected critical joints, taking into account the anisotropic behavior of timber. This project showcases the potential of combining digital tools with minimally processed timber for resource-efficient and innovative designs.