Structural safety of historical timber structures

Extensive experimental examinations on the structural safety of historical timber structures were performed. The conclusions resulted in mathematical models with non-linear elastic elements that reproduce realistically the structural safety of timber structures.The existing results are used to develop parameterized calculation models for optimized structural bonds produced by computerized systems. Fracture aspects, i.e. the separation and the loss of contact of the material due to transgressing the shear resistance respectively the transverse tensile strength are described with the aid of linear elastic fracture mechanics. The friction influence as well as the influence of plastic behavior by achieving the compressive strength is fixed realistically.To connect the coordinated journals, an engineering model and a truss poles model were developed in “Studies on the structural safety of historical timber structures – the coordinated journal” (published in kassel university press).

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Werner Seim