Condensed Timber Engineering Module for Hybrid Course
Resource Description This module series is designed for use in 3rd- or 4th-year steel design courses, providing an efficient way to introduce key wood design concepts within a steel-focused curriculum. It represents a condensed version of the full 10-lecture undergraduate wood design course, distilling the essential principles, methodologies, and applications into a streamlined format. The series can be delivered over approximately four 50-minute lectures, making it suitable for integration into existing course schedules without requiring extensive additional class time. Each module is structured to offer clear explanations, practical examples, and relevant exercises, ensuring that students gain a solid understanding of wood design fundamentals while complementing their study of steel structures. Acknowledgments Lead Authors Dr. John Gales Dr. Chorlton Bronwyn Usage and Citation Guidelines These teaching materials were developed by university professors with funding support from the Canadian Wood Council. The content remains the intellectual property of the respective author(s) and is provided free of charge for teaching and educational purposes only. Any commercial use, redistribution, or modification outside of academic teaching is strictly prohibited. When using these resources in any context that requires citation, please use the format below. Author(s). (Year). Title of module [Teaching Module]. Funded and published by the Canadian Wood Council.
CIVE480 Timber Structures 2019
Resource Description This course provides a comprehensive introduction to wood and timber engineering, covering materials, structural applications, and design principles. Historical and modern timber structures are examined, with practical design examples provided throughout to reinforce key concepts. Students will explore sawn lumber, panel products, and engineered wood products such as glulam, structural composite lumber, and CLT, along with their applications and design considerations. The course also covers lateral load-resisting systems, member design for bending, tension, and compression, as well as connections, fasteners, and fire safety design.
Wood as a Structural Material: Properties, Systems, and Design
Resource Description A structured undergraduate timber engineering course designed to introduce students to the fundamental material properties of wood and the principles of structural design with timber. Each module includes lecture slides, notes, and worked examples. Module 1 – Physical & Mechanical Properties of Wood.Covers density, moisture content, cellular structure, shrinkage, strength, stiffness, behavior under stress, test methods, failure modes, and modification factors. Module 2 – Structural Wood Products and Systems.Introduces sawn lumber, panel products, and engineered wood products (EWP) such as glulam, structural composite lumber, and CLT. Discusses applications and design considerations. Module 3 – Axially Loaded Members.Examines the behavior and design of tension members, compression members, and members subject to combined axial and bending forces, with examples. Module 4 – Bending Members.Focuses on the design of members subject to bending, including sawn lumber, glulam, composite beams, and CLT panels. Module 5 – Shearwalls and Diaphragms.Discusses lateral load resisting systems, vertical and horizontal bracing, load paths, and the design of light wood frame shearwall and diaphragm assemblies. Module 6 – Design of Connections.Introduces fasteners and connection systems, including nails, screws, bolts, dowels, glued-in rods, and proprietary connectors. This 6-part course provides students with a solid grounding in timber engineering and can be integrated into structural design curricula at the undergraduate level. Acknowledgments Lead Authors Dr. Ying Hei Chui University of Alberta Usage and Citation Guidelines These teaching materials were developed by university professors with funding support from the Canadian Wood Council. The content remains the intellectual property of the respective author(s) and is provided free of charge for teaching and educational purposes only. Any commercial use, redistribution, or modification outside of academic teaching is strictly prohibited. When using these resources in any context that requires citation, please use the format below. Author(s). (Year). Title of module [Teaching Module]. Funded and published by the Canadian Wood Council.
