Stiffness Evaluation of Structural Round Timber Beams via FEM

Currently, codes that deal with the determination of stiffness and strength properties for round structural timber elements do not consider, in both calculations and mathematical models, the influence of existing irregularities in geometry of these elements. This book presents an alternative methodology to determine the optimum value of the longitudinal modulus of elasticity for round timber structural elements by an optimization technique allied to the Inverse Analysis Method, to the Finite Element Method (FEM) and the Least Squares Method. It was also investigated the influence the structural elements rotation around their axis in determining values of longitudinal modulus of elasticity (E). Results of E obtained by alternative methodology are compared with the simplified models contemplated in the current codes, in order to evaluate the difference between the two calculation approaches.

André Luis Christoforo: Civil Engineer, Master, PhD and Post-doctoral in Structural Engineering and professor at the UFSCar. Roberto Vasconcelos Pinheiro: Civil Engineer, Master, PhD in Structural Engineering and professor at the UNEMAT. Francsico A. Rocco Lahr: Civil Engineer, Master, PhD in Struct. Engineering and Full Professor at the EESC/USP.