Geometrical analysis of naturally grown timber for the design of load-bearing structures

Abstract

Combining tradition and innovation, timber plays essential roles in building structures for architecture and engineering. Tree branching geometries and timber in natural state often serve as sources of inspiration. However, the mechanical properties of naturally grown timber, inherently inconsistent and geometrically varied, remain insufficiently studied, particularly for construction and simulations. This knowledge gap perpetuates the prevalent use of straight, uniformly harvested timber, while neglecting curved and bifurcated elements with smaller cross-sections.

This research investigates the potential of naturally grown timber in structural design. The central idea emphasizes that a thorough understanding of the natural characteristics and growth patterns of trees can improve how we use timber. This methodology is developed to facilitate the design of structures that align with natural growth principles. Utilizing non-invasive, such as Computerized Tomography (CT), precise geometrical and material properties of wood can be obtained. This work combines these data sources to visualize cross-sectional geometries and material properties. The methodology integrates an analytical approach based on Generalized Scaled Boundary Isogeometric Analysis, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of simulations. This approach fosters sustainable resource practices, and promotes the use of major tree parts, transforming discarded material into valuable resources. This paper concludes with a practical application through a construction demonstration.