Edinburgh Napier University

  Timber frame can offer many aesthetic and structural benefits over other construction materials, for example effective insulation for energy efficiency, sustainable design and ease and speed of construction. For all the known benefits of using timber frame there are certain limitations that are often linked to its strength and stiffness performance in connection systems. A key design limitation of timber frame structures is that the lateral resistance to wind loads becomes increasingly difficult to accommodate as opening sizes increase. These limitations are restricting the potential for market growth as clients are increasingly asking for detached dwellings with relatively large openings in their shorter/narrow walls and for multi-storey buildings often with large openings. This research aimed to resolve the issues arising from the lack of racking resistance in timber frame buildings and is focused on developing a structural reinforcement system for the timber frame market. This will facilitate the construction of detached dwellings and multi-storey buildings with large spans and openings. The system will allow greater architectural flexibility whilst being simple to install and cost effective.