Beam Panel

If you have selected the Beam Panel thickness type, you can describe the properties of a timber panel wall or another composite supporting structure consisting of members and surfaces. A member-surface thickness type is generated from the parameters of the elements (frame, studs, sheathing), which also takes into account the compliance from the fasteners.

Dialog Box "New Thickness", Tab "Sheathing"

Sheathing

In the Sheathing tab, you can define the properties of the plates. Select the "Material" check box for the appropriate surface side: "Sheathing Front −z" refers to the negative surface side (in the opposite direction of the local z-axis); "Sheathing Back +z" refers to the positive surface side. If the timber panel or beam panel is sheathed on both sides, select both check boxes.

Select the relevant material from the list of already defined materials. The buttons next to the text box allow you to select a material from the library or to define a new one (see the chapter Materials). OSB, gypsum, or hard fiber materials are usually used for timber sheathing. In each case, specify the "Thickness" of the sheathing as well.

Framing Members

Defining Framing Members and Connections

In the Framing Members tab, you can define the cross-sections of the panel edges and specify how they are connected to the sheathing.

Framing Members +/-y

In this section, you can define the frame cross-section that is parallel to the local surface direction y. You can select the cross-section in the list or redefine it using the buttons and (see the chapter Sections).

Framing Members +/-x

Enter the member cross-section that is parallel to the local surface direction x.

Connections

In this section, you define how the framing members are connected to the sheathing. The following options are available for selection in the list:

• Nail
• Staple
• User-defined

Depending on the requirements, you can specify the "Connector dimension" (a nail diameter or a staple size) and the "Connector spacing". This determines the connector stiffnesses that are available for the respective sides and directions.

Identical conditions are assumed for sheathing on both sides. If this is not the case, define the connector stiffnesses K as user-defined values.

Inner Studs

Defining Inner Studs and Connections

In the Inner Studs tab, you can define the cross-section of the inner vertical members and specify how they are connected to the sheathing.

Inner Studs

Select the "Section" from the list. Use the buttons and to define a new cross-section (see the chapter Sections).

The "Distribution" controls the arrangement of the studs. The following options are available for selection in the list:

• Center-to-Center
• Gap
• Uniform
• User-defined

Enter the "Spacing" of the studs; usually, there is a uniform distance. For an irregular distribution, define the spacing b_v as a user-defined value in the corresponding table.

Center-to-Center and Gap refer to the x-axis of the surface. The first position is assumed to be the location farthest away in the negative x-direction. If this is not the case, you can adjust the member distribution using the  button.

Connections

In this section, you define how the inner studs are connected to the sheathing. The following options are available for selection in the list:

• Nail
• Staple
• User-defined

Depending on the requirements, you can specify the "Connector dimension" (a nail diameter or a staple size) and the "Connector spacing". This determines the connector stiffnesses that are available for the respective sides.