Timber Frame Construction - Coursework Example

Name Professor Course Date of submission Timber Frame Construction Introduction Modern constructions come in different forms. These forms range the traditional masonry, precast concrete, steel, and most recently the timber frame construction. Constructions from timber frames are similar. Over the last three decades in U.K, timber frames became the major construction material consisting of block inner and outer leaf, cavity, insulation, and external finishing with bricks. Timber frame construction involves offsite engineered construction works, which arrives at the site, and the pieces gathered to make a complete unit. The project will be focusing on the reasons behind the continuous increase in popularity of timber frame construction in many countries especially the U.K. Moreover, the project will be seeking to determine the environmental, economic, and social benefits associated with increased use of timber frames (The UK Timber Frame Association 15). To ensure the coverage of all thematic areas of the project, it is significant to examine the construction industry and housing market over the last decade as such would assist to find out the reasons behinds the increment in applying timber frame. Currently, 70% of homes in developed countries are made from timber frames. In the U.K, the new dwelling constructions in Scotland accounts for 60% translating to 15% of the overall housing units made from timber frames in U.K. Ireland is slowly following the trend with its last decade experiencing booming timber frame construction. Timber Frame Construction Industry Countless housing units and apartment blocks have been emerging in every city, town, and village in the U.K then the rest of the country follows. In 1992, constructions from timber frame accounted for only 5% of the new housing markets. However, there has been enormous development in the market to about 30%. Typically, the buildings emerged from masonry construction consisting on 300mm cavity wall suited with inner and outer leaf, insulation, and cavity. In the last 17 years, the timber frame construction has shown steady growth and development. The construction method involves an offsite-engineered building arriving at the site and assembled to form a complete unit. In U.K, timber frame construction has shown the strength and resilience despite several challenges associated with economic paradigms. Despite the supply chain constraints that affect European timber market in the previous years, the industry has been able to prove the benefits associated with timber construction due to flourishing of the industry. Due to recession, most opportunities associated with construction were not considered for fruition since the housing market went awry. Irrespective of such challenges over the last years, timber trade for construction even became favorite material for the construction industry. In the U.K, there is deficit of timber frame materials. Therefore, the country focused on importation. Statistics from the construction industry indicate that there was decline in the construction materials in 2012 by approximately 8% reflecting the high demand for timber (Reynolds and Enjily 44). Currently, the differences in the economy of states within and around Europe highlight the drastic changes in the importation figures. By 2013, the importation of timber and associated products rose to 34.5%. With the construction industry also topping, the rise in the number of imports showed how the modern infrastructural buildings rely on the wood materials rather than the common brick. Moreover, timber is becoming an environmentally friendly source of construction material considering its level of sustainability. Construction Method In timber frame construction, the weight of the bearing walls is timber panels which in other construction works is either steel or blocks. However, the constructors make the timber panels offsite to the required size and transport by the truck to the required destination. The installation occurs through physical means or mechanically using the pulleys or small cranes if the timbers are heavy and large. The panels are usually made of solid timber to bear the weight of the structure and sheathed using plywood or the Oriented Strand Board (OSB) (Allen and Iano 242). Upon installation of the panel, which has to be suitable and rigid, there is the installation of external leaf of the building. There are two types of panels: open panel, which involves dry lining after insulation and closed panel. There are two types of timber frames: balloon frames and platform frames. Balloon Frame Balloon frame is the oldest type of construction methods used. However, with the rising issues of sustainability, the constructors began embracing the platform frame. In a balloon frame, the studs responsible for making up the exterior wall are one long section spanning from the ground to the ceiling height found on top of the floor. Moreover, the balloon frame often consists of two-storey height panels that have intermediate floor which suspend from the framework. Nonetheless, there are series of problem associated with utilization of the balloon frame method in construction of houses (Chappell 143). These problems include easy spread of fire because the method uses large panels, the large panels might as well be difficult to find, and difficulty associated with handling of the large panels. Moreover, the method is also susceptible to heating bills, which might be higher since the plans lack insulation between the room and the exterior walls. Platform Frame With the drawbacks associated with utilization of the balloon frame, most constructors have been embracing the use of platform frame which is the major increasing its popularity and preference. Besides, the platform frame is the form of timber construction currently favored in the U.K. The frame differs from the Balloon Frame since its structure is built up floor by floor. However, the fame involves a series of steps that the constructors have to follow (Chappell 154). These steps include calculating the sizes required through looking at the engineering drawing presented by the client, ordering the materials which then the factory prefabricates, arrival of the materials on the required site, marking out the base structures, and lifting the timber floor joists in place using the small cranes. There are erection and positioning of the walls on top floor joists, positioning of the prefabricated roof, installation of cavity barriers and fire stops, and application of external layers, tiles, and slates on the roof. The final stage is installation of the installation of the internal services. Merits and Demerits of Timber Frame Timber frames construction has several advantages over the brick, block, and steel frame construction materials. Currently, while undertaking construction activity, it is significant to focus on the level of sustainability of the materials used, availability, effects on environmental quality, and efficiency of the whole process. The structure is quick to erect since there is no need to wait for construction materials such as motor to dry. It is possible to install the timber even during the rainy periods. Transportation of the materials required for construction is easy and presents ease forecasting method for the engineer on when the project is likely to end. The site for construction is usually clean as all the requirements are measured to specifications, which in turn contributes to less wastage of materials and other associated resources. Smooth and dry surfaces make it easy to decorate and render. There is a high compliance rate with the building regulations, as the timber frames are fabricated offsite to meet such purpose, which also reduces chances of human errors and occupational safety issues. Using cranes for installation assists in meeting the project deadline and reduces human efforts. With the timber frame construction, it is easy to incorporate the extension since the timber and plasterboard are easy to remove. Moreover, it is easy to design the structures to meet the clients’ specific requirements. Thermal Performance Timber is a poor conductor of heat and electricity; it is an excellent insulator. As a result, building from timber frames properly stores heat, which leads to reduction in heating bills. Besides, it contributes to reduced reliance on the fossil fuels, which are the major sources of atmospheric pollutants when used to heat the houses. The amount of money saved from using the timber varies from one construction to another. However, while estimating the cost, it is significant to consider the specification of the building as well as the occupants. Ramstown Development, timber frame company, cited that timber framing is an energy saving systems with the capacity of cutting an average of 33% on the annual cost used in heating homes. Most companies associated with timber frame construction exist to specify the materials, construction, and installation of various components (Allen and Iano 174). However, the Timber Frame Association in the UK represents approximately 85% of timber frame manufacturers in U.K. Application of the standard timber frames systems might result in a U-values ranging from 0.30 and 0.27 through utilizing readily available standard insulations. Besides, there is need to ensure usage of higher performance insulations and insulator breather membranes in boosting the figures. To comply with the standards, it is important to improve the specifications. The used systems are closed timber-framed panel, which often include 140mm studs sheathed on both sides and OSB and company filled with polyurethane foam for insulation. In a timber frame construction, the internal panel usually has a vapor of heating the reflective membrane and the air gap that exist between it and the internal wall cladding making a service zone. Moreover, the exterior sides of the houses often have a breathable waterproof membrane and polyurethane foam cavity insulation of 50mm. Acoustic Performance It is clear that timber frames perform efficiently and effectively about thermal issues. Such performances are also reflected in acoustic activities. Proper acoustic performance is because timber frames constructions have many layers that might absorb the sound like other materials like curtains and carpets (Reynolds and Enjily 35). Timber frame houses often absorb sound better than empty houses made of hard surfaces like bricks and blocks. Such statement echoes the thoughts and emphasizes that timber frame constructions satisfy the requirements of the Building Regulations. Fire Performance Timber frame is highly susceptible to fire than other construction materials such as concrete, blocks, and steel. However, such susceptibility does not mean that timber frames are more of fire hazards. Moreover, the structures are likely to burn down during the construction phase due to emergence of fire accidents. The Fire Safety on Timber Frame Construction Sites indicates that two-thirds of the fire incidents taking place within construction industry are deliberately started. Fires do not start accidentally. After completion of the project, the fire might not spread easily since the resistant plasterboards and external cladding would prove difficult for the fire to engulf. There are different methods of minimizing the fire threats (The UK Timber Frame Association 14). The measures involve ensuring that the designed plans integrate hot works that are, working with a blowtorch. If there is need for hot works, there should be monitoring as precaution, keeping off the project area tidy without unnecessary timber shavings or pieces of papers, which could easily start the fire. At this stage, it crucial to note that timber frame construction is quick to install, and it is easy to reach the areas with fire resistant materials, there is great reduction of associated risks. Moreover, the cavity barriers reduce the spread of fire and meet all the requirements for Building Regulations. Environment Shifting to construction of housing units using timber frames assist to reduce CO2 emissions, global warming, greenhouse gas emissions, and carbon footprints. Globally, countries are focusing on inventing industrial processes and activities that might assist to reduce the negative effects associated with industrial process. Timber frame constructions operate from such principle. As earlier noted, timber frames reduce combustion of fossil fuels, which in turn reduces the emission of greenhouse gases. Contrary to the steels and concretes, timber does not require manufacturing, refining, and extraction, as it exists naturally. Construction is one of the industries that greatly affect the environmental quality. All the associated activities touch on the environmental systems (Chappell 216). Although timber frame constructions are important in reducing emission of greenhouse gases and maintaining environmental landscape, as it does not involve excavation from the land, it certainly affects the environment as well. The scope of the project determines the merits and demerits of using timber frames after conducting a cost-benefit analysis. Continuous uses of timber frames are likely to affect the aesthetic value of nature. It encourages deforestation, which has significant environmental impacts like reduced carbon sequestration, increasing the susceptibility of the building to disastrous winds and flooding activities, and destruction of the catchment areas. Besides, timber frame companies are currently conveying information to the public on the benefits associated with shifting to timber frame construction. Such activities raise awareness on the environmental challenges. In Europe, the major source of timber is Scotland. Therefore, there is less transportation involved in sourcing as is in steel. Threat of Rot The nightmare of utilizing timber frame construction is susceptibility to various rot agents and other insects. Spreading of rots within a building might cause serious unlimited damages. In some cases, where the construction designs fail to account for certain activities like frequent exposure to water and rodents, the building is likely to collapse and causes injuries and to some extent death. The damage might extend beyond repair leading to waste of resources and inconveniencies. As a result, there is need to use dry timber that only has 20% moisture content that poses less risk since susceptibility to decay is low. Reduction of moisture content to below the required threshold could encourage the incipient of fungal activities. Case Study of Application of the Materials Utilization of timber frame construction does not only revolve around buildings, but also hotels and accommodation facilities for students. The Building Regulations require timber buildings to go up to 18m, which was applicable in the construction of a seven-storey building in Bedminster, Bristol. Another example is the construction of St Luke’s Primary School in Wolverhampton, which has 40o children and was completed in 16 weeks. The construction was two weeks ahead of schedule. The BRE Environmental Assessment Method rated the building as excellent, which is of the highest standard that has been awarded in Britain. The figure below represents St Luke’s Primary School Source: The UK Timber Frame Association Another project was NHS Adolescent Unit in Wales, which utilized timber frame construction. The major factor that encouraged application of the design was that contributed less noise and disruptions to the patients since manufacturing was offsite, which reflected less time onsite. The constructors also used similar method to construct a theatre on the Isle of Mull. Since the theatre would be subject to wind and rain, it might be anticipated that other materials such as steel and concrete would be appropriate. However, the transportation cost of such materials proved to be a major problem, which leads to utilization of timber frame construction. The figure below is NHS Adolescent Unit Source: The UK Timber Frame Association Conclusion The project focused on the application of timber frame in the construction industry and explained the various merits and demerits associated with such activities. The major reasons behinds increased use of the method is increased environmental considerations, efficiency, and the need for reducing the time taken to execute a construction activity. With such importance, it is clear that timber frame market would grow. Moreover, the timber frame designs are not only applicable to the residential areas, but also schools, hotels, and accommodation facilities. Although the designs are susceptible to fire and decaying effects, several measures are in place to remedy the situation including plasterboard and reduction of moisture content respectively. Works Cited Allen, Edward, and Joseph Iano. Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods. Hoboken: Wiley, 2009. Print. Chappell, Steve. Advanced Timber Framing: Joinery, Design & Construction of Timber Frame Roof Systems. Brownfield: Fox Maple Press, 2012. Print. Reynolds, Tim, and Vahik Enjily. Timber frame buildings: A guide to the construction process. England: Forestry Commission, 2016. Web. . The UK Timber Frame Association. Promoting best practice on Timber Frame construction sites. Alloa: National Federation of Builders, 2008. Web. 24 Mar. 2016. . Read More

The construction method involves an offsite-engineered building arriving at the site and assembled to form a complete unit. In U.K, timber frame construction has shown the strength and resilience despite several challenges associated with economic paradigms. Despite the supply chain constraints that affect European timber market in the previous years, the industry has been able to prove the benefits associated with timber construction due to flourishing of the industry. Due to recession, most opportunities associated with construction were not considered for fruition since the housing market went awry.

Irrespective of such challenges over the last years, timber trade for construction even became favorite material for the construction industry. In the U.K, there is deficit of timber frame materials. Therefore, the country focused on importation. Statistics from the construction industry indicate that there was decline in the construction materials in 2012 by approximately 8% reflecting the high demand for timber (Reynolds and Enjily 44). Currently, the differences in the economy of states within and around Europe highlight the drastic changes in the importation figures.

By 2013, the importation of timber and associated products rose to 34.5%. With the construction industry also topping, the rise in the number of imports showed how the modern infrastructural buildings rely on the wood materials rather than the common brick. Moreover, timber is becoming an environmentally friendly source of construction material considering its level of sustainability. Construction Method In timber frame construction, the weight of the bearing walls is timber panels which in other construction works is either steel or blocks.

However, the constructors make the timber panels offsite to the required size and transport by the truck to the required destination. The installation occurs through physical means or mechanically using the pulleys or small cranes if the timbers are heavy and large. The panels are usually made of solid timber to bear the weight of the structure and sheathed using plywood or the Oriented Strand Board (OSB) (Allen and Iano 242). Upon installation of the panel, which has to be suitable and rigid, there is the installation of external leaf of the building.

There are two types of panels: open panel, which involves dry lining after insulation and closed panel. There are two types of timber frames: balloon frames and platform frames. Balloon Frame Balloon frame is the oldest type of construction methods used. However, with the rising issues of sustainability, the constructors began embracing the platform frame. In a balloon frame, the studs responsible for making up the exterior wall are one long section spanning from the ground to the ceiling height found on top of the floor.

Moreover, the balloon frame often consists of two-storey height panels that have intermediate floor which suspend from the framework. Nonetheless, there are series of problem associated with utilization of the balloon frame method in construction of houses (Chappell 143). These problems include easy spread of fire because the method uses large panels, the large panels might as well be difficult to find, and difficulty associated with handling of the large panels. Moreover, the method is also susceptible to heating bills, which might be higher since the plans lack insulation between the room and the exterior walls.

Platform Frame With the drawbacks associated with utilization of the balloon frame, most constructors have been embracing the use of platform frame which is the major increasing its popularity and preference. Besides, the platform frame is the form of timber construction currently favored in the U.K. The frame differs from the Balloon Frame since its structure is built up floor by floor. However, the fame involves a series of steps that the constructors have to follow (Chappell 154). These steps include calculating the sizes required through looking at the engineering drawing presented by the client, ordering the materials which then the factory prefabricates, arrival of the materials on the required site, marking out the base structures, and lifting the timber floor joists in place using the small cranes.

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