Question 2

(a) Strength Limit State Load Combinations

To determine the strength limit state load combinations, we follow the guidelines from the
relevant standards, using the provided load factors.

1. Permanent action plus an estimate of permanent imposed action:

The load combination formula is:

1.35 G+1.0 Q perm
Where Q perm is an estimate of the permanent imposed action. For this example, assume
Q perm is 50% of the imposed action:
Q perm=¿0.5 x 10.5 kN=5.25 kN ¿
Thus, the combination is:
1.35×3.5kN+1.0×5.25kN=4.725kN+5.25kN=9.975kN
2. Permanent action plus 5-day imposed action:

The load combination formula is:

1.2 G+ 1.5Q ❑
Thus, the combination is:
1.2×3.5kN+1.5×10.5kN=4.2kN+15.75kN=19.95kN
(b) Select the Critical Load Combination for Design
The critical load combination for design is the one that results in the highest load:
Critical load=19.95kN

(c) Evaluate the  Factor and k Factors

For timber structures, the φ factor (reduction factor) is typically 0.8 for seasoned hardwood
according to AS 1720.1.
k factors:
 𝑘1: load duration factor. For short-term loads (like 5 days imposed action), 𝑘1=1.0k1
=1.0.
 𝑘4: effective length factor. For an isolated column with no bracing, 𝑘4=1.0k4=1.0.
 𝑔13: slenderness factor for columns with height h (3.0 m) and thickness t (90 mm).
Given 𝑔13=1.0.

d) Select a member size for the column

The column size is already defined as two pieces of 45 mm thick F17 seasoned blackbutt
timber, giving a total thickness of 90 mm. The depth (height) of the column is 3.0 m.
To verify if this size is sufficient, we need to check the capacity of the column.
Properties of F17 seasoned blackbutt:
 𝑓: compressive strength parallel to the grain. For F17 timber, fc≈31 MPa

Effective Length Le is the actual length of the column for an isolated, unbraced column:
Le=3.0m
Slenderness:
le
λ=
r
Where r is the radius of gyration.

3
bd
r=
√ I
A
For a rectangular section: I =
12
A= bd
So,

√
3
bd

For a thickness 𝑡=90mm:

r=
12
bd
=
d2
12 √
=¿
d
√ 12
¿

90
r= =25.98 mm=0.02598 m
√ 12
3.0
λ= =115.45 m
0.02598
This slenderness ratio is quite high, indicating a risk of buckling. The column might need to
be thicker or use additional support.
Axial capacity 𝜙𝑁𝑐:
ϕNc=ϕk1k4fcA
Calculating 𝐴A: 𝐴=90×90=8100 mm2=0.0081 m2
ϕNc=0.8×1.0×1.0×31×0.0081=0.20088MN=200.88kN
Since this is much greater than the critical load combination (19.95 kN), the member
size is sufficient.
e) Check assumptions made in the design and the final capacity
Assumptions include:
1. Column is truly isolated and unbraced.
2. Effective length factor 𝑘4 and slenderness factor 𝑔13 are both 1.0.
3. Load duration factor 𝑘1=1.0 for short-term loads.

Final capacity: 𝜙𝑁𝑐=200.88 kNϕNc=200.88kN

Critical load combination: 19.95 kN19.95kN
Since the capacity (200.88 kN) is much greater than the critical load (19.95 kN), the design is
sufficient, and the assumptions are valid. The chosen column size is adequate to support the
loads as per the given conditions.