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Wood construction is becoming increasingly important worldwide and has established itself as a sustainable, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials. Despite the ecological benefits, numerous technical and structural requirements must be met to ensure the safety and durability of wooden constructions. Challenges arise in particular from external influences such as wind, fire protection, sound insulation, the susceptibility to corrosion of steel fasteners and the combination of different materials. In addition, the demands for sustainableconstruction are increasing, especially in urban areas.
Wind and seismic loads pose particular challenges to timber construction. Wooden structures must be designed to withstand high wind speeds and vibrations without losing their structural integrity. This requires careful planning of the fasteners and precise dimensioning of the load-bearing components. Especially for wood-to-wood and steel-to-wood connections, it must be ensured that the forces are evenly distributed. Wood-concrete composite constructions offer a way to increase load-bearing capacity, usability and sound insulation by combining the advantages of both materials.
The choice of joining materials is crucial to prevent corrosion. For outdoor applications, stainless steel bolts and joints should be used as they are resistant to weathering and ensure a long service life. In dry indoor areas, galvanised steel can be used, which provides sufficient corrosion protection at a lower cost. In transitional areas, such as open or semi-closed rooms, an individual assessment of the ambient conditions is recommended.
Passive fire protection is an essential aspect of wood construction. This includes measures that prevent or slow down the spread of fire and heat without the use of active systems such as extinguishing systems. The advantage of wood is that it forms a protective layer of carbon when burned, which keeps the layers underneath from heat.
The thickness and quality of the wooden elements used are decisive: Solid wood components, for example, offer natural protection due to their dimensions, as the carbon layer insulates the core over a long period of time. For planning, it is important to ensure the fire resistance duration of wooden structures by means of suitable cross-sections and strengths. In addition, fire-resistant wood cladding and protective coatings can inhibit the spread of fire.
Fasteners such as sheet steel and screws must be designed and protected in such a way that they do not lose their load-bearing capacity prematurely in the event of fire. Wood-concrete composite systems offer the additional advantage that the concrete, as a non-combustible material, represents an additional protective mechanism. Particular attention must be paid to fire protection for roof insulation in combination with solar systems. Flame-retardant insulation materials must be used here that do not release toxic gases in the event of fire. The fastenings must also be designed in such a way that they do not become the weak point of the entire structure in the event of fire.
The demand for sustainable, space-saving construction is increasing, especially in urban areas with limited space. Wood construction offers major advantages here: Its low weight makes it ideal for adding to existing buildings, and its fast, resource-saving construction is another plus.
Wood-concrete composite constructions enable additional floors with high load-bearing capacity at a comparatively low dead weight. On-roof insulation and the integration of solar systems on wooden structures also promote the energy efficiency of urban buildings. The high degree of prefabrication in the plant ensures precise production and short construction times on site.
Depending on the usage class of a building, wooden construction fasteners must be carefully selected. Joints between wood and steel or wood and wood require static verification to ensure load transfer. The adhesive technology for threaded rods and internally threaded anchors in wooden components offers flexible solutions for subsequent reinforcements or attachments. Anchoring wood to concrete components requires special anchors or composite anchors to ensure safe load transfer. The fastening of solar modules also requires innovative solutions that are gentle on the wooden substrate and at the same time durable.
Wood is a hygroscopic material that reacts to ambient humidity. Without adequate protection, mould, rotting and a reduction in load-bearing capacity can occur. Careful sealing, protective coatings and well thought-out constructions - such as the structural wood protection of ventilated facades - are essential to minimise these risks.
In hybrid constructions, such as wood-concrete or wood-steel joints, special attention must be paid to avoiding thermal bridges and moisture problems. Different materials expand differently with temperature fluctuations, which can lead to stresses and damage. Careful planning and the use of suitable materials are crucial here.
Wood tends to gradually deform under continuous stress - a phenomenon known as creep behaviour. These insidious deformations must be taken into account when planning wood structures in order to avoid subsequent settling and structural damage. Engineers need to be particularly precise in dimensioning to ensure the load-bearing capacity and stability of the structures. In addition, the different national and international standards in timber construction present a challenge.
These regulations are often complex and vary from country to country, which requires a thorough knowledge and compliance with the applicable building regulations. Especially with innovative wood constructions, planners and builders must ensure that all standards are taken into account to ensure the building’s safety and structural compliance.