Timber frame structures – platform frame …（木构架结构u2014u2014平台框架u2026）.pdf

STRUCTURAL TIMBER 3 ENGINEERING BULLETIN Timber frame structures – platform frame construction (part 1) Introduction The platform frame method of building timber frame structures is suited to both low-rise and medium-rise buildings. Many buildings up to six and seven storeys in height have been constructed over recent years typically for residential, institutional and hotel uses. There are a number of diff erent conditions that need to be satisfied by the structural engineer during the engineering of a multi-storey timber frame building, including: • The adequacy of vertical load paths • The strength and stiff ness of the individual framing members • Overall building stability and stability of the individual elements • Robustness of the framing and connections • Disproportionate collapse design This article introduces the composition and terminology used for platform timber frame building structures and describes the structural engineering checks which are required to verify the adequacy of the vertical load paths and the strength and stiffness of the individual framing members. There are several parts to the Engineering Bulletin for platform timber frame structures. Part 2 will cover horizontal stability, while part 3 will cover robustness and disproportionate collapse design. Structural form The term ‘platform frame’ derives from the method of construction where floor structures bear onto loadbearing wall panels, thereby creating a ‘platform’ for construction of the next level of wall panels, as indicated in Figure 1. Platform frame construction is particularly suited to buildings that have a cellular plan form. Internal walls may be used to contribute to this cellular layout and are used as loadbearing elements for resistance to both vertical and horizontal loads. Vertical actions from walls, fl oors and roofs are supported by timber wall panels comprised of vertical studs at regular centres (typical