Probabilistic Modeling of Timber Structures

Authors

Jochen Köhler, John D. Sørensen and Michael H. Faber

Abstract

The present paper contains a proposal for the probabilistic modeling of timber material properties. It is produced in the context of the Probabilistic Model Code (PMC) of the Joint Committee on Structural Safety (JCSS) [1] and of the COST action E24 "Reliability of Timber Structures" [2]. The present proposal is based on discussions and comments from participants of the COST E24 action and the members of the JCSS. The paper contains a description of the basic reference properties for timber strength parameters and ultimate limit state equations for timber components. The recommended probabilistic model for these basic properties is presented and possible refinements are given related to updating of the probabilistic model given new information, modeling of the spatial variation of strength properties and the duration of load effects.

[1] Joint Committee of Structural Safety. Probabilistic Model Code, Internet Publication: www.jcss.ethz.ch, 2001.
[2] COST Action E 24, Reliability of timber structures. Several meetings and Publications, Internet Publication: http://www.km.fgg.uni-lj.si/coste24/coste24.htm, 2005.

Published in/by

Proceedings of the International Conference on Probabilistic Models in Timber Engineering, Arcachon, France September 8-9, 2005.