Abstract
Current research issues of timber construction are discussed. Initial resistance design, durability design and post life design are considered, in a broad sense, as the components of structural design of timber construction. The following main issues are discussed here for each component.
1. Initial resistance design
1)Appropriate structural modeling ; 2)Relative resistance of structural members and joints ; 3)Practical simplification of stiffness calculation for semi-rigid structures ; 4)Reasonable synthesis of horizontal resistance of structural components ; 5)Site-work performance factor ; 6)Target resistance based on use and risk ; 7)Dynamic behavior of structural components and whole structures ; 8)Clear distinction between allowable resistance design and ultimate resistance design.
2. Durability design
1)Control of wood decay ; 2)Structural plan considering risk of decay ; 3)Initial design considering maintenance ; 4)Estimation of residual resistance.
3. Post life design
1)Reinforcement design considering degradation of members ; 2)Initial design considering reuse/recycling.
