Design of Mass Timber Beams and Panels for Gravity Loads

This chapter explores the design procedures for mass timber beams and panels in bending. It presents an overview of beam statics and strength of materials. The chapter then introduces design analyses addressing bending, shear, and deflection checks to ensure compliance with code-specified strength and deflection criteria. It provides several hand calculation examples and guidance on how to work with manufacturer design aids to streamline the design process. The chapter also provides a brief overview of beam behavior within the framework of material mechanics, assuming that the reader is already familiar with the principles of mechanics. Beam reactions occur at the supports as a result of applied loads. The chapter then provides some of the more common beam types and loading cases for mass timber. The deflection check ensures that the maximum beam deflection will be less than or equal to prescribed deflection limits.