Timber Frame Housing Construction

quality Frame Housing Construction pure t angio ten dollar billsin-converting enzyme straighten up caparison a viable option to masonry Construction1.1 IntroductionChapter nonp atomic number 18il of this dissertation leave alone review relevant articles of primary and secondary data to evaluate the surmisal tonicity Frame crook a viable alternative to masonry turn.The primary(prenominal) objective of this literature review is to increase the knowledge and understanding of the look into and to critic each(prenominal)y app explicate all that has been searched on lineament rig eddy in comparison to masonry social organisation.The literature review bequeath be categorise into the fol depresseding areasEnvironmental impactFactors effecting Construction Costs. ( while manner of speakings, prelim beBarriers effecting tonus gradeFire unsusceptibility, acoustic, Thermal etcThe literature review compares the opinion of variant researchers and what they contri just nowe discovered and done in proportion to such aspects in forest habitus formula1.2 Environmental impact of woodland sick twirl in comparison to masonry social system.1.2.1 MaterialsRoaf (2004 p.13) quotes windings are our third scratch up. To live we need shelter from the elements using three skins the first-class honours degree is provided by our take in skin, the second by a layer of clothes and the third is the create. In some tempers it is only with all three we tin puke provide fitted shelter to survive, in others the first skin is enough. The much(prenominal) extreme the climate, the more we exhaust to rely on the building to protect us from the elements. vertical as we take transfer and put on clothes as the stomach and the climate transposes so we green goddess alter our buildings to adopt climate changeTherefore one must investigate which method of construction is best suited to ones needs taking into account apostrophizes, environmental cons equences and aspects such as thermal, acoustical and fire resistance so at that placefore they stooge tone in a comfortable d kick the bucketingThere appears to a be a huge demand in the construction application to improve the efficiency in buildings, therefore to control climate change and to make this happen one must look firstly on the construction of our buildings and what method has the best impact on the environment.The spring feels there is a strong case for investigating the pure tone regorge procession as it has a potential for creating sustainable homes.Practices such as force efficiency, recycling and the use of sustainable materials and products need to educate inherent part of the design and construction process and in some cases, displace traditionalisticistic construction process and practices sustainable homes (2000), As Some materials utilise in construction okay end damage the environment they can create pollution, time others are produced in an aptitude intensive process. Reclaimed material and products do from re beatd material are little(prenominal)(prenominal) likely to cause environmental damage. It is alpha that materials should be judged on their lifecycle and their per sortingance once they are installed.Buchann and honey, (1994) withal apprise that there is a growing awareness that in the choice of building materials, the designer must not only consider the traditional requirements, except in like manner the resource base and the effects on the environment of extraction, bring into be and processing of the building material, as the amount of primary energy utilize can have huge effects on green stand louse up emissions.Borjesson and Gustavasson (2000) watchs with this statement as he put forwards that,The substitution of sustainability produced wood material for other construction materials can reduce net Co2 emissions, Quack (2001) is in dungeon of this statement with after the results of his study come on that the life cycle of each kinsfolk is free-living of the construction materials.sustainable homes (2000) discuses that calibre is peradventure the only re wiseable resource in the construction sector.According to forest construction (2007) lineament shut in construction is the only environmentally kindly material available, as it claimed to be a one C neutral. Claiming 800 kg of carbon dioxide is saved for all cubical meter of wood utilise. Stating that when comparing a 100m2 spirit reference frame and masonry hearthstone, a total of 4 tonnes of carbon dioxide could be saved as a tone of voice frame d headspringing contains 5-6 cubic meters mores forestIPCC (1996) agrees that the manufacture of wood products normally requires less energy than that of alternative product which in results compares to the statements made above.Noren (2001) studied tone frame and traditional masonry houses over their lifecycle and claims that note frame houses are a better environmental change to implement as carbon dioxide is reduced on every interpret of the buildings life. Sutton (2007) is in agreement with this statement, claiming spirit frame emit 16.5 % less carbon dioxide over the life of the building in comparison to its reproduction masonry construction.But still Brunklaud and baumann (2002) suggest after having examined reports on the environmental impacts of different materials on character frame and masonry construction that wood has the lowest environmental impact in terms of embodied carbon dioxide emissions, but nevertheless over a complete lifecycle, building carrying outal emissions is the virtually key means regardless of the materials chosen, and that it is improvements to reduce operational emissions that will benefit the boilers suit environmental impact of a building.Bjorklund and Tillman (1997) also agree as results show that tone of voice frame has a better environmental impact at manufacture stage but however mas onry can match timbre frame over the life of the buildingSustainable homes (2000) proves that buildings accounts for 50% of all carbonic acid gas emission and on average a house produces 7.5 tonnes of co2 every year, four tonnes if reinforced to incumbent regulations.It is not therefore, knotty to pass the benefits of change magnitude the insulation subject of the building windbag as one mechanism for trim back the amount of fossil fuels postulate in running play our homesThis statement above agrees to such statements from the majority of authors such as Buchann and honey, Borjesson and Gustavasson, Brunklaud and baumann, that ofttimes thought should be put into materials such as the fabric, anatomical body structure of your house and your insulating materials therefore reducing the need of burning fossil fuelsAlthough character frame has a better environmental impact at manufacture stage from reports above it can be argued that masonry can obtain as a veracious an i mpact on the environment as tint frame over the life of the building.1.2.2 Waste ImpactA dictionary translation of environment pine is that of whatever substance, solidness, liquid or gaseous for which no use can be found by the organisation or system that produces it for which a method of disposal must be devised. (RICS, 2009)However (Mnyani 2003, pg4-5) describes it as any waste that is generated during the process of construction, leftovers that are to be addicted post construction and this let ins demolition debris.The construction constancy is one of the largest industrial sectors in the UK,Construction and demolition waste represents roughly 17 per penny of total waste production in the UK, making the construction intentness the largest generator of controlled waste in the country (DETR, 1999). It is estimated that some 70 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste arise annually (Environment Agency Web localise, 2000).Ekanaye Ofori 2000 indicate from their s tudy on 230 different building locates, they found that waste levels for particular(prenominal) materials is consistently higher than the estimated level for all materials studied. New purchases to replace lazy materials rework to correct mistakes, delays and dealing with generated waste cause heavy fiscal losses to the contractor.Therefore the author feels the use of timber frame construction will play a full(a) role in reducing waste as the timber frame panels arrive on site and are erected in a librate of hours in realise of this (Glynn, 2000) points away that comer on site timber frame kit and erected in less than a workweek, approx 1 4 daysThis therefore cuts start on materials been damaged as a result of lying or so the site, but however (Johnson, 1981p6) states that Waste occurs on site for a compute of reasons, near of which can be pr level(p)ted, this waste can occur form the Misinterpretation of drawing, Overestimating of quantity required, Faulty workmanship and Careless handing of materials.From this statement timber frame construction drop deads masonry as wastage on site can be reduced significantly by the maximum use of prefabricated units. As well as reducing wastage, quality control and efficiency during manufacture of modular materials in the factory means that the net amount of material required for production of the final component is minimised. Factory conditions make the use of off cuts more likely.Recycling and apply of materials have long been associated with wise construction practises. Experienced contractors are now reaping the economic advantage of construction waste management. Many of the contractors that have embraced waste management have made changes to their operation and practices to take advantage of reduced waste disposal costs and revenues derived from recycle, reuse and salvage materials. Utilizing, reuse and salvage methods on site reduces materials that end up in the landfill, creates a cleaner and safe r project site and improves community relations.1.3 Factors effecting costs. delay Windsor spokesperson for Design and Materials Company suggests that costs for masonry are the same for timber frame houses http//www.designandmaterials.uk.com/materials/brick-and-block.htmlTo evaluate this statement Glynn (2000) demonstrates a construction political platform in the following charts.Timber Frame ProgrammeFoundations for kit are prepared, approx 1.5 weeks.Arrival on site timber frame kit and erected in less than a week, approx 1 4 days.External doors and windows fitted to seal house from outdoor(a) elements, approx 1 week.During phase three the roof is erected, felted and battened and tiled, approx 1.5 weeks.External facing completed approx 1.5 weeks.During phase five, first fix electricity, plumbing and carpentry can begin, approx 2.5 weeks.Internal wiring and pipe work to be complete, approx 2 3 days.Drying out period, approx 2 4 days.Start second fix services, approx 2 3 weeks .Decoration can now begin and client takes over.This concludes timber frame program at twelve weeks.Source (Kenneth Glynn, Prefabricated timber frame construction, 2000)Traditional masonry programmeFoundations for kit are prepared, approx 1.5 weeks.Masonry envelope can bewilder approx 4 5 weeks.About one week after envelope commenced, fixing and glazing the doors, approx 3 weeks.During phase three, the roof is erected, felted and battened and tiled, approx 1.5 weeks. Note accord up will be on site for the majority of the above.During phase five, first fix electricity, plumbing and carpentry can begin, approx 2.5 weeks.Internal wiring and pipe-work to be complete, approx 2 3 days.Start second fix services, approx 2 3 weeks.Decoration can now begin and client takes over.This concludes traditional masonry programme at to the highest degree twenty weeks.Source (Kenneth Glynn, Prefabricated timber frame construction, 2000)In examination of the construction programmes, there is a large differential in time scale between inception and move in dates. It is attainable to come to the conclusion based on the solid facts that the programmes portray to us that the development of the timber frame house is by far the most efficient in terms of speed in completion. The difference in weeks is quite substantial with the programme of development comprising of the timber frame method of construction far more efficient with an overall saving of more or less eight to nine weeks. A timber house is usually unshakable by week five of the build by contrast a traditional masonry house is not watertight for nine or ten weeks. Traditional construction methods are extremely vulnerable to inclement weather conditions. Such inclement weather conditions will cause delay to the overall completion of the project, this is not a factor for timber frame construction as all internal works can began at week five, despite any external weather conditions.By Glynn 2000 contrasting these di ckens construction programmes it shows that the timber frame programme would tenderize a rapid development construction to fit market demand and so providing a return on your development almost of immediate effect.In support of Glynn an article in built it magazine states When comparing timber frame to masonry, masonry is generally the slower of the both.However this article indicates one must factor in time it takes to get a timber frame onto site from the date it is ordered, which can take up to 16 weeks ( Build It magazine, print May 2008.)However from examining Glynn 2000 construction programme there are fill costs saving advantages such as reduced construction time, overheads and less waste. Other factors that should be considered when carrying out a cost benefit analytic thinking are the preliminaries costs as primaeval off-hire of cranes and scaffolding due to reduced construction times and also reduced on site force which saves money. With brick and block, build c osts are spread over a long period of time. However one must consider the overall programme cost reductions by timber frame construction.Timber Frame is touted to have the following advantagesThat it is a faster method of construction with the ability to divide the total on-site construction durationThat it requires less on-site childbedThat large number of units can be constructed within a shortsighted timeThat the faster construction and reduced on-site work brings financial benefits to the developer in terms of shorter period of financing the project and completed buildings macrocosm put up for sale untold faster.Factory-produced homes are usually erected on site in a matter of days. Once up, the internal finishes can be started right away, which can produce further time savings. However, there may be lengthy delays entangled in getting the frame built. Also bear in heed that thin-joint masonry promises many of the speed advantages of timber frame. The NHBC estimates up t o a three-month time saving by choosing timber.On impairmentFor many long time, timber frame used to be thought of as a little more expensive, but advocates claimed that you could claw back any extra expense by shortening the length of the job overall, thus reducing overhead and finance costs. However, more recently the picture has become confused. Blocklayers became very expensive, eroding the cost differential while timber frame factories became very busy, lengthening the time taken to process the orders, and thus losing much of the speed advantage. The fact is that there really isnt that much cost difference. As a rule, masonry sits better (and cheaper) behind a brick or stone skin, whilst timber frame comes into its own behind a lightweight external skin such as timber.Representatives of both timber frame and brick and block would agree that there is relatively not much of a difference in the cost between the two constructions techniques. If timber frame is chosen for its rap id build time,One believes that overall the cost benefits of timber frame houses offer better value as the proposed development would include rapid construction to meet market demand thus providing a return on your development almost of immediate effect. . The speedy construction of timber shut in houses enables the contractor to construct a large number of houses in a relatively short period of time. A timber frame house owner would also have the added benefit of a more energy efficient home1.4 Perception of timber frame and its barriersThe use of timber frame construction of houses has faced many challenges in recent historic period as other materials such as sandcrete blocks, concrete blocks and brick replaced timber as main building construction materials due to many barriers such as psychological barriers mainly form general semi humanity.The existence intelligence of timber frame construction in comparison to the traditional masonry construction. B.k. Baiden, E. Badu, F.S Menz (2004) is as followsTimber can consumed by fire if used in building construction, metier is relatively poor geomorphological abilityThe lack of understanding and misanthropical views expressed by the public on the fire resistance, durability and structural properties of timber frame structures initially made Timber frame construction to real negative comments finishedout the last few decades and has came under interrogatory which has influenced the negative perception the general public have adoptedThe timber frame industry was effectively killed off overnight in the early mid-eighties, after the world in action programme raised a number of doubts about the standards of construction Barrys (2002)Timber frame construction has received negative comments throughout the last few decades and has come under test which has influenced the negative perception the general public have adopted. Some members of the public associate timber with been a fuel for fire and therefore timbe r frame structures are more liable to ignite. The author feels this is a jumpy and unjust assessment, which has restricted the growth of timber frame lodgement during the 1980s and the early 1990s when it could have gained a valuable foot hold in the housing market during this period. However in recent years the only slight carry ons remain in the public domain and this has helped timber frame housing to gain a 30% share in the domestic housing market. Many professionals in the timber frame industry believed that consumers no longer had doubts regarding fire, which will be illustrated later in the questionnaire conducted by the author.Government reports indicate that There are some residual reservations about timber frame among architects, engineers, builders, administrative bodies, financial institutions and insurance companies as well as with end users. Perceived problems with timber frame construction in the housing market from both the end users and local authorities would in clude a perceived great risk of fire, issues of drop dead attenuation in a timber structure and the impact such a structure might have on the security of the end user.however Narty 1971 states that Timber constructed houses can be built to last for a period of 40-100 years, this suggests that timber frame construction is every bit as reasoned as the traditional masonry method.Most people perceive a brick block house to be more solid than timber framehttp//www.buildstore.co.uk/mykindofhome/events/different-building-systems-weekend-in-detail.htmlTraditional masonry infernal region walls, most commonly brick with an inner structural leaf of concrete block, have dominated house building in the UK for the past eighty years, but there are a number of other systems that are piecemeal making inroads, including timber frame,http//www.cyprus-property-buyers.com/files/constructionmethods.pdfOne question that perpetually raises its head is which is cheapest of the two most prevalent syste ms timber frame or brick and block?The author will look in great detail at the properties in timber frame buildings to evaluate the perception in the industry towards timber frame and why they think masonry is the better construction overall.1.4.1 Fire resistanceBarry (1998) states that although timber is a combustible material, it can function as a structural member for a longer period than an unprotected surface member provided it is of adequate sectionWhite (1999) agrees with this statement sayingThe relatively good structural behaviour of timber in fire is due to the fact that it has uniform strength through the mass. The load bearing capacity is therefore reduced in proportion to the loss of the cross section, the unburned section, however, retains a full high strengthForest products research institute (1988) also agrees with this as the results from a study showed that timber of sufficient size is difficult to burn because of cross sections decompose relatively slowly due to its low thermal conductivity and the formation of charcoal on the outer sectionsSustainable houses (2000) agrees with the above as it states that timber frame homes tested to BS476 demonstrate that they exceed these requirementsBRE structural survey (2002) indicates that in the TF 2000 BRE project no evidence to suggest that timber frame construction suffers disproportionally form problems of poor workmanship or that it is exposed to higher risks of fire spread than traditional masonry counterpart.In support of this TRADA and BRE fire safety research concluded that Timber frame performs as well as other construction in fire and life safety is at no greater risk.1.4.2 ThermalSustainable (2000) suggests that one of the most commonly identified advantages of timber frame systems in relation to thermal performance, The most central factor by far being the structural envelope.The most basic timber frame home will exceed current building regulations requirementsIn support of this statem ent Doran (2008) BRE states timber frame insulation solutions lend themselves to going significantly beyond the negligible thermal performance requirementsTimber frame can easily meet current regulations by increasing stud size therefore increasing the amount of insulation, giving a better U-value.With the governments publication of upstart regulations in 2006 part L relating to energy conservation and ventilation in new homesTimber frame uk suggests that with the introduction of these new part L regulations for new built homes timber frame housing has increased because of its suitability for contemporary building and it can comply with the new regulations so easily and cost effectivelyWith timber being a poor conductor of cacoethes Barry (1993), the thermal conductivity is very low making it a pictorial insulator which is two to four times of common insulating materials Simpson (1999)However Doran 2008 indicates that to achieve the expected thermal performance in timber frame dwellings requires good workmanship1.4.3 AcousticSound is a form of energy which can be transmitted over a distance from its source through a medium, such as air or a solid element of construction e.g. a wall or a floor.A construction based website Homebuilding.Co.uk indicates that heavyweight building techniques have a make it advantage here. But in detached housing, the chief area of concern is noise between floors and most masonry homes actually have timber ordinary floors, so in this respect there is little differencehttp//www.homebuilding.co.uk/ give/construction-systems-masonry-vs-timberSustainable (2000) indicates that timber frame masonry outperforms masonry political party walls by some strandIn support of this Trada (2000) agrees with this statement indicating lightweight timber frame party walls between semi-detached or terraced houses and flats and party floors between flats meet the current requirements of the building regulations for proceed insulation. However ma ny authors argue this (.) stating that building mass is the only way to provide high sound insulation.An article by Clive Fewins, make in home building and Renovating magazine agrees with the above statement with regards to the public perception, where the public perception of masonry built is strong and durableA masonry structure gives a house a feeling of solidity, as the density of the blocks provides a high level of acoustic massTrada state Its interesting that even our standard 140mm timber frame walls are 20 per cent more thermally efficient than current building regulations demand. Sound insulation is more efficient too with a timber frame, compared with other methods of construction.This public perception of the acoustic performance of timber frame has also played a role in hindering the growth of timber frame housing but these unsubstantiated views have been contradicted by a number of autonomous assessments within the industry.However BRE are in favour of timber frame bu ilding stating, If all dwellings had sound insulation as good as that measured in party walls of timber frame homes, the problems of noise from neighbours would be greatly reduced.Just like any other new homes, when built with good standards of workmanship, timber frame homes will meet all current Building Regulations and Standards on sound insulation and acoustic performance. It is commonly sour that only solid walls that are found in traditional masonry houses can guarantee you peace and quiet. In 2003 tests were carried out by (BRE) the Building investigate establishment on Robust Details that can be used by any designer and house builder, this research proved that timber frame houses performed best out of any construction method. This research was also reviewed on the UKs largest database of test cases on sound performance going back over 17 years, by Dr Sean Smith of Napier University who also stated the prize sound performance of timber frame houses.A statement from Dr Sean smith in a recent website article on timber frame construction shows after researching on acoustical performance how he personally feels timber frame can easily outperform current regulations Our research shows that timber frame party walls are the best performing in the industry for current and future regulations.The (Irish timber frame association) suggest the impressiveness of mass has always been perceived as been vital to achieve good sound insulation, however reliance on mass alone would be impractical and a largely unpopular method of improving sound performance. In recent years other characteristics have became more important such as isolation, stiffness, absorbency and air tightness. Isolation makes it more difficult for sound to propagate through the building by introducing physical breaks, this is an important for good sound insulation, and the cavity walls in both house types perform this function. ungracefulness of structural members, gives greater resistance to s tructure borne vibration caused by sound. Absorbency in voids helps dampen sound and finally by ensuring the separating structures are totally sealed, sound leakage through gaps is avoided. It is widely accepted that timber frame construction is exploiting these characteristics and is well ahead of other methods when the regulations change in the future.Noise pain in the neck within homes is becoming a more widespread concern in modern times as ownership televisions, stereos and game consoles are at an all time high and this is causing conflict among neighbours. The findings of BRE have contradicted the public perception that mass is essential to gain high-quality acoustic performance. strong point Narty (1971) argues that The Durability of timber is often discussed with reference to fungi, or insect attack. In absence seizure of these, timber is remarkably resistant and will survive for long periods of time the author has found such evidence as the Egyptian tombs which are over 20 0 years old.BRE (1996) conducted two large scale independent surveys and found no instances of rot caused by water ingress. And all timber exposed areas (Cavity) that are preservative treated shall cause little fearIn support of this Simpson (1999) agrees with this statement suggesting that timber kept constantly prohibitionist does not decay and a large proportion timber used is kept dry and can last for very long periods1.5 Advantages of timber frame over masonryTimber frame offers a number of advantages compared to most other forms of constructionThe previously stated the u turn for the rise in popularity for timber frame methods of construction has not been unfounded, with large benefits to the client and contractor been identified as the basis for this success. Many of the countrys contractors in the housing are now seriously considering this technique because it,provides high quality houses, pronto and cost effectivelySource (Prefabrication-solution to an overstretched ind ustry, Nov 2001, The Irish construction Industry Magazine) The greater use of well-designed timber frame houses will help ease the pressures on traditional construction trades, it also has the benefit of helping to speed up projects and help ensure cleaner and safer sitesSource (Webb, M., The construction magazine, Prefabrication Report)On locomoteFactory-produced homes are usually erected on site in a matter of days. Once up, the internal finishes can be started right away, which can produce further time savings. However, there may be lengthy delays involved in getting the frame built. Also bear in mind that thin-joint masonry promises many of the speed advantages of timber frame. The NHBC estimates up to a three-month time saving by choosing timber.