Rational building systems for medium to long-span timber structures (RBS-TS)

The aim of this research project is to explore the possibility of producing a new type of building system for resource-efficient, medium to long-span timber structures. The idea is based on designing new types of easy-to-assemble wooden connections with high-strength birch plywood replacing conventional steel plate systems. Building systems for adaptive assemblages will be made in a digitized controlled process of standardised parts, where the design itself is optimised to fit the system.

The goal is to increase the resource efficiency and to thereby reduce the embodied energy and climate impact of such structures compared with traditional timber structures. Standardised parts provide economies of scale. Modularization provides increased manageability. Numerical processes provide repeated tolerances.

Expected effects are increased resource efficiency, lower sensitivity to tolerances, shortened production time and increased precision in the building systems, which reduces construction cost and climate impact.