The Behaviour of Linear Timber Structural Elements Subjected to the Combined Action of Force Systems and Temperature Variations

The mechanical properties of wood elements can be influenced by any combination between loads, humidity, temperature variations, biological actions and other factors.The present paper focuses on the study of the influence of temperature variations on the strength and deformability capacity of bar type wood elements with rectangular cross-section. The analysis was performed for different support conditions, under 12% constant humidity.Firstly, the authors propose a comparative analysis between the state of stresses and strains of the bar type wood elements computed using analytical methods and a numerical application. For the numerical determination SAP2000 structural analysis and design software was used.In the second part of the article the influence of temperature variations on the wood elements is evaluated, with considerations upon the risk of exceeding the resistance capacity and deformability.