Development of an innovative timber based prefabricated panelised system

Overview

The project aim is to understand current limitations of timber based prefabricated panelised systems and developing verified solutions to create a robust and innovative system. The primary outcomes of this project has been the development and advancement of knowledge in timber based structural wall and flooring systems, the invention, development and understanding of novel prefabricated water and weatherproofing methods which act between panels (or modules) which not only are significantly quicker than traditional means but also do not require access from the outer face of the perimeter wall and finally the understanding of the material behaviour of EWP (engineered wood products), particularly Strandboard for lifting and load transfer purposes. These significant contributions to knowledge in prefabrication have furthered our understanding in these areas and the innovative systems developed have already been taken up and used within industry with great success.

Key outcomes

  • Full evaluation and assessment of advanced automated manufacturing technologies and processes available for complete timber-based panelised systems
  • Development and successful commercial adoption of a purpose specific prefabricated panel to panel waterproofing solution to replace on-site work
  • Development and implementation of a significantly more material and cost-efficient panelised timber-based wall system for mid-rise buildings, namely stiffened engineering timber walls with post-tensioning
  • Corresponding mathematical modelling via the computationally efficient exact finite strip method based upon the Wittrick-Williams algorithm with appropriate orthotropic material models and strength limits
  • Development of associated design curves, configuration specific post-tensioned strength reduction factors and optimal configuration selection methods
  • Development of a panelised stressed-skin timber floor system through reductive-design with increasing material efficiency whilst also reducing the number of manufacturing processes required for competitive commercial adoption.

Research team

  • Kristopher Orlowski
  • Prof Priyan Mendis
  • Dr Shanaka Kristombu Baduge