Influence of friction between wood and support elements in the design of timber structures for roofing

Abstract

Throughout history, wood has played a crucial role in all phases of building construction. Despite existing prejudices in Brazil regarding its use in structural systems, primarily due to the lack of dissemination of technical information, wood is gradually gaining more space in the market as a viable and environmentally sustainable alternative. With exceptional mechanical properties, wood is compatible with other widely used construction materials in the Brazilian structural market, such as concrete and steel. In this context, this research aims to analyze the influence of considering the friction coefficient caused by the sliding of the support with free horizontal displacements in isostatic trusses, investigating its impact on the design of the components that make up the truss. Such sliding generates a lateral friction force that promotes a restraining effect on the structure, potentially relieving stresses on the lower chord members. For this purpose, the Finite Element Method (FEM) is used as an analytical tool, supported by the iTruss verification software to validate the obtained results. By considering the frictional force generated on the support links of the analyzed trusses, the numerical results revealed changes in the design of structural profiles for all existing wood strength classes (D20, D30, D40, D50, and D60) in situations of friction between wood and wood, and between wood and concrete. A reduction in the volume of wooden pieces was observed, ranging from 5.88% to 8.54%, suggesting that the inclusion of the friction coefficient during structural calculations can result in savings, not only from a financial standpoint but also promoting environmental benefits by encouraging a more responsible use of wood in civil construction.