Low-amplitude floor vibrations have become a governing serviceability performance design consideration for floors constructed with low mass-to-stiffness ratio materials such as wood. Studies reported here were conducted at the University of Ottawa to assess vibration serviceability performance of glued-laminated-timber (glulam) beam-and-deck floor systems. Such floors are applicable in non-residential buildings having spans up to about 10 m. The primary goal was to use test and numerical analysis methods to investigate how construction variables (e.g. beam span, beam spacing, addition of nonstructural overlays) affect the vibration responses of such floors. A secondary goal was to assess applicability of vibration serviceability design criteria proposed for other types of floors to glulam beam-and-deck floors. Apart from tests aimed at characterizing responses of laboratory built rectangular plan floors, focus groups were asked to subjective rate acceptability of the performances of those floors. Focus group ratings determined ability of humans to discern alterations in floor motions resulting from construction modifications, based on an opinion survey technique developed by other researchers. This determined that humans can detect and rate performance of floors having different engineering design characteristic, but cast doubts on the consistency of the employed opinion survey technique. Laboratory tests revealed that mid-span displacements of floors are functions of two-way deflected shapes of floors and are reduced by adding nonstructural overlays and extra beams. Adding non-structural overlays reduces fundamental natural frequency demonstrating gain in modal mass was greater than for modal stiffness. There was inconsistency between the result of focus group evaluations and predictions of acceptability of floors made using available suggested vibration serviceability design criteria. Finite Element (FE) models of glulam beam-and-deck floor systems were created and verified using laboratory test data. Based on those models it was concluded that fundamental natural frequencies and mid-span displacements of floors are relatively insensitive to variations in floor width-to-span ratios. However, higher order natural frequencies are strongly affected by floor width-to-span ratios. Increasing thickness of deck elements can decrease natural frequencies and cause them to cluster in ways that amplify surface motions caused by dynamic forces like human footfall impacts. Field vibration tests were conducted to investigate the dynamic behaviour of a large glulam beam-and-deck office floor having a complex plan shape and support conditions. That floor has long beam spans and partial continuity between bays defined by a mixture of column and wall supports. It was tested before non-structural floor toppings were added and after building completion and occupation. FE modeling of the floor was created and predicted modal characteristics (i.e. mode shapes, natural frequencies) compared with experimentally derived ones. Controlled walking tests were conducted to assess the dynamic response under office occupation conditions. It was concluded the vibration serviceability response of the floor was satisfactory based on peak acceleration measurements and lack of office worker dissatisfaction. Importance of this is the floor has low order natural frequencies less than 8Hz, which means existing proposed design practices created for lightweight timber floor would incorrectly classify its performance. The discrepancy is indicative that such design practices fail to capture effects of construction variables and damping characteristics of large floors. In general, vibration characteristics of lightweight floors are highly related to effects of construction details such as plan aspect ratio, boundary conditions and presence of nonstructural elements. Apart from clarifying specifics of how glulam beam-and-deck floors vibrate, this thesis is intended to contribute to Canadian and international efforts to create engineers design methods that robustly predict whether or not specific floors will have adequate vibration serviceability performance under defined floor occupancy conditions.

The introduction of a new structure in the premise of an existing one can generate an interesting conversation between the two. This thesis offers a design to explore the interaction between the two structures and the identification of the roles of each. / Master of Architecture

The purpose of this master’s thesis was to investigate if suspension of heavy objectsis possible in the glulam arches at Stockholm Central Station. The main goal was todetermine the arches’ load carrying capacity’s utility ratio, in order to give knowledgeif additional loading can be added.The study included a thorough investigation of available blueprints and calculationreports established during and after the process of design and erection of the arches.In addition, an on-site-inventory was made to confirm and verify the studied material.A method to approximate semi-probabilistic material strength-properties, based onold deterministic material strength properties, was used.When the material had been summarized concluding geometrical attributes, loads, andmaterial properties a calculation model of the arch was developed. The global geometrydescribing the arch’s shape mathematically was established through measures onblueprints and analytical calculations in Mathcad. A finite element method (FEM) wasthen used to calculate reaction- and internal forces and buckling modes taking accountfor 2nd order effects. Once calculation of intrenal forces had been made, the structuralcapacity was checked analytically according to Eurocode’s failure criterion.The results showed that the arches do not fulfill required carrying capacity forEurocode’s symmetric- and non-symmetric distributed snow load. The failurecriterion not fulfilled were simultaneously bending and compression, lateral torsionalbuckling and simultaneously tension perpendicular to grain and shear.It is therefore concluded that suspension of heavy objects is not suitable with thepresent condition of the arch. In order to realize suspension, it is suggested thatreinforcement measures have to be conducted. It is also suggested that shear andiiiflexural carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcement would be a suitablemethod of enhancing the strength and stiffness of the arches, without disrupting theiraesthetics and integrity.

This thesis deals with glued laminated beams with holes. Different hole geometries, circular and quadratic,  and reinforcement methods were investigated. A total of 24 tests were performed using two types of reinforcements (glass fiber and plywood) and testing unreinforced beam. During testing of the beams without reinforcement a contact free deformation measurement system was used to capture the deformation pattern. A commercial finite element software package was used to perform numerical calculations of the response of the beams. The FE-analyses were also compared with the experimental results. The test results showed that the reinforcement with plywood was more efficient than the reinforcement with glass fiber. In addition, the two hole geometries showed different failure behaviors. The beams with quadratic holes showed a less brittle behavior, although at a lower load level than the beams with circular holes. / Denna rapport behandlar limträbalkar med hål. Olika hålgeometrier, cirkulära och kvadratiska hål, och olika metoder att förstärka balkarna vid hålet undersöktes. Totalt 24 enskilda provningar genomfördes med två olika förstärkningsmetoder (glasfiber och plywood) samt med balkar utan förstärkning. Vid provning av de oförstärkta balkarna användes ett system för beröringsfri deformationsmätning för att få en bild av deformationsmönstret. Ett kommersiellt finita elementprogram användes också för att analysera balkarnas respons och för att jämföra med provningsresultaten. Provningarna visade att förstärkningen med plywood var effektivare än förstärkningen med glasfiber. Vidare uppvisade de olika hålgeometrierna olika brottbeteenden, där de kvadratiska hålen gav mindre spröda brott, dock vid en i genomsnitt lägre brottlast än de cirkulära hålen.

<p>This thesis deals with glued laminated beams with holes. Different hole geometries, circular and quadratic,  and reinforcement methods were investigated. A total of 24 tests were performed using two types of reinforcements (glass fiber and plywood) and testing unreinforced beam. During testing of the beams without reinforcement a contact free deformation measurement system was used to capture the deformation pattern. A commercial finite element software package was used to perform numerical calculations of the response of the beams. The FE-analyses were also compared with the experimental results. The test results showed that the reinforcement with plywood was more efficient than the reinforcement with glass fiber. In addition, the two hole geometries showed different failure behaviors. The beams with quadratic holes showed a less brittle behavior, although at a lower load level than the beams with circular holes.</p> / <p> </p><p>Denna rapport behandlar limträbalkar med hål. Olika hålgeometrier, cirkulära och kvadratiska hål, och olika metoder att förstärka balkarna vid hålet undersöktes. Totalt 24 enskilda provningar genomfördes med två olika förstärkningsmetoder (glasfiber och plywood) samt med balkar utan förstärkning. Vid provning av de oförstärkta balkarna användes ett system för beröringsfri deformationsmätning för att få en bild av deformationsmönstret. Ett kommersiellt finita elementprogram användes också för att analysera balkarnas respons och för att jämföra med provningsresultaten. Provningarna visade att förstärkningen med plywood var effektivare än förstärkningen med glasfiber. Vidare uppvisade de olika hålgeometrierna olika brottbeteenden, där de kvadratiska hålen gav mindre spröda brott, dock vid en i genomsnitt lägre brottlast än de cirkulära hålen.</p>

Glue laminated wood deck systems are commonly used for bridge decks on girder bridge systems. These decks are usually covered with a hot-mix asphalt wearing surface in conjunction with a bituminized fabric sheet waterproofing membrane. Often cracks occur in the asphalt at the intersection of two adjacent deck panels which limits the useful life of the wear surface, provides a poor riding surface and potentially allows moisture to flow to wooden bridge components. The purpose of this study was to investigate the structural behavior of asphalt/wood/membrane deck systems. This was accomplished experimentally by determining the deflection of bridge deck panels with respect to each other under simulated truck loading. A classical linear analysis model and a finite element analysis model were developed for the deck panel deflections. These analytical results were compared to the experimental results and a value of approximately 0.05 in for the interpanel differential deflection was determined to be a reasonable, conservative value for the typical configuration considered. This deflection was then used to load various asphalt/membrane/ wood configurations to investigate the effectiveness of the arrangement with regards to resisting hot-mix asphalt cracking. It was found that when subjected to repeated deflections of 0.05 in, the following experimental composite bridge deck performed best in terms of reduced cracking: 1) hot-mix asphalt base layer applied directly onto the glulam deck panel; 2) waterproofing membrane placed on the base layer of asphalt; 3) hot-mix asphalt surface layer placed on the waterproofing membrane. / Master of Science

Proposal for a new city hall in Nynäshamn. The building is characterized by a coherent, rectangular volume with cantilevering floor plans. The volume is separated from surrounding buildings, forming passages for pedestrians to and from the plaza in front of the building. The facade is characterized by load bearing laminas, partly arranged at a 45 degree angle to reflect sunlight into the building. During the hottest hours of the day, the laminas instead have a blocking effect on the sunlight. The laminas are rhythmically deployed throughout the façade. The supporting frame is made of glulam with an oversized beam which forms a weave structure. Two load bearing interior walls run through the whole building which provides structure. The floor plan is function separated. Entrance floor accommodates entrance and reception with double ceiling height, located at the center of the building. Towards the west there is a café and to the east there are meeting rooms and internal service. Plan 1 contains an art gallery and a plenary hall linked together by a gathering foyer. Plan 2 holds dining room and plan 3 holds an activity office. Changing rooms, server rooms and store rooms are located in the basement. / Förslag till kommunhus i Nynäshamn. Byggnaden kännetecknas av en sammanhållen, rektangulär volym med svagt utkragande våningsplan. Volymen är frigjord från omgivande byggnader, vilket bildar passager för fotgängare till och från Banantorget. Fasaden karaktäriseras av bärande lameller, delvis uppställda i 45 gradig vinkel för att reflektera in solljus i bygganden. Under dygnets varmaste timmar har de snedställda lamellerna istället en blockerande effekt på solljuset. Lamellerna är rytmiskt utplacerade för att ge liv och dynamik åt fasaden. Bärande stomme är av limträ med överdimensionerat bjälklag som bildar en vävstruktur. Bjälklaget är fritt exponerat och befriar våningsplanen från pelare. Två bärande innerväggar som löper längs byggandens samtliga våningsplan ger struktur åt byggnaden och delar in våningsplanen i tredjedelar. Planlösningen är funktionsseparerad. Entréplan rymmer entré och reception med dubbel takhöjd, placerade i centrum av bygganden. Mot väst ligger café och mot öst ligger mötesrum och internservice. Plan 1 rymmer konsthall och plenisal med dubbel takhöjd som knyts ihop av en samlande foajé. Plan 2 rymmer matsal och plan 3 rymmer aktivitetskontor. Omklädningsrum, serverrum och förråd är placerade i källarplan.

Vad är en offentlig plats? Vad är en demokratisk plats? Intentionen med detta förslag för ett nytt stadsdelshus i Spånga-Tensta är att skapa en plats som både tematiskt och faktiskt är tillgänglig de som ska bruka den. Panorama stadsdelshus är en byggnad som speglar relationerna mellan medborgaren och staten, och mellan medborgare och medborgare.  Med utgångspunkt i analyser av platsen ger förslaget möjlighet till ett demokratiskt offentligt rum, i staden. Genom en pluralitet av rum och funktioner i olika skala ger stadsdelshuset Panorama möjlighet att svara på en mängd tänkbara önskemål från staden. Programmet har brutits upp i två delar, där det publika har separerats från det privata. Känsliga och personliga ärenden kan ske anonymiserat, samtidigt som publika evenemang, stora som små, kan äga rum under samma tak.  Panorama är en byggnad som syftar till att ha en nära koppling till den plats den står på, utan att vara fastkilad i befintliga strukturer. Stadsdelshuset ska vara tillgänglig hela området, och har därför ingen särskild riktning. Den kopplar sig lika mycket till dess olika sidor. Panorama stadsdelshus struktur av rum under tak för den till en integrerad del av stadsnätet. Byggnadens öppenhet, tillgänglighet och flexibilitet gör att Panorama kan tjäna området en lång tid framöver. / What defines public space? What is a democratic space? The intentions of this proposal for a new district hall in Spånga-Tensta is to create a space that both thematically and in reality is available to its users. Panorama district hall is a building that mirrors the relations between citizen and state, and between citizen and citizen. Based on site-analysis the proposal enables the creation of a democratic public space, in the city. Through a plurality of spaces and functions on different scales, Panorama district hall is able to answer to a multitude of possible requests from the city. The program has been divided in two parts, the public has been separated from the private. Sensitive and personal matters can take place anonymously, at the same time as public events, both large and small, under the same roof. Panorama is a building that aims to be connected to the environment it is situated in, without being wedged between existing structures. The district hall is available to the whole area, and is therefore without a particular direction. It is as much connected to its different sides. Panorama district hall’s structure as rooms under roof makes it integrated in the urban fabric. The openness, availability, and flexibility of the building gives Panorama potential to serve the area for a long time.

The purpose of this study is to investigate spatial wood structures, trace their response on equilibrium paths, identify failure modes, and predict the ultimate load. The finite element models of this study are based on the Crafts Pavilion dome (Triax) in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the Church of the Nazarene dome (Varax) in Corvallis, Oregon. Modeling considerations include 3-d beam finite elements, transverse isotropy, torsional warping, beam-decking connectors, beam-beam connectors, geometric and material nonlinearities, and the discretization of pressure loads. The primary objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that the beam-decking connectors (B-D connectors) form the weakest link of the dome. The beam-decking connectors are represented by nonlinear springs which model the load slip behavior of nails between the beam and the decking. The secondary objective of this study is to develop models that are sufficiently simple to use in engineering practice. / Ph. D.

Exploration of the architectural re-purposing of a historic building ruin with the goal of maintaining and emphasizing its current character and state of decay. Simultaneously examining how new interventions can clearly achieve modern expectations of function and enclosure, while allowing the character of the existing structure to be minimally impacted. The intervention in the historic building fabric demonstrates how new materials and construction techniques allow for a distinct contrast between old and new, and how the two can work harmoniously together. Specifically integrates new glued-laminated timber frame structure in contrast to existing concrete walls, testing a general case for the potential power of interventions and adaptive reuse to be a means to a rebirth and retelling of the stories of existing buildings. / Master of Architecture