The growth in timber frame has been driven by government measures such as the Code for Sustainable Homes. Meanwhile expert reports, like the Stern Review of climate change, focus minds on the impact of industry on the environment. As a result, the construction sector is striving to reduce its carbon emissions – and timber frame is one viable way to do this.
Stealing a march in the move towards modern methods and off-site construction, timber frame is a developing industry that embodies a raft of experience, technical expertise and specialist know-how. Within this is the emergence of state-of-the-art software, designed and built especially for designers of timber frame structures. It helps to rationalise the processes involved, providing key benefits for timber frame manufacturers and savings that can be passed on to customers, and ultimately their end users.
Software such as our Whole House Engineering module, working in tandem with the Timber Frame & Floors software, enables timber frame manufacturers to design, visualise and analyse a scheme. By developing structural calculation reports that can be passed to the engineer for checking and signing off, the designer is able to save time getting the calculations for the complete structural analysis including racking, sliding and overturning very early in the overall process and to make any amendments to suit both engineering and manufacturing needs. The structural calculation reports can then be passed to an engineer for checking and sign-off. The resulting timber frame design can assist the manufacturer in both standardising and optimising components, reducing waste and carbon impact.
Time-saver
Software gives a designer the capability to operate and develop a structural engineering design, complete with calculations of a timber frame building. The integrated software is invaluable in saving time for the designer and certified structural engineer on the entire process. Allowing for variants such as ground conditions, wind speeds and site altitude to be added, designers can instruct the software to process engineering calculations and to report any components of the design that may fail. The design can then be modified if needed until all criteria are passed.
Because software suppliers regularly amend their product, according to user feedback, it is constantly evolving. This is a necessary element for any specifier when selecting which package to acquire. Considering that design and delivery software is a significant process tool for timber frame businesses, and taking into account the considerable investment it requires, it is important to make the right choice of supplier.
Once the decision has been made, a supplier needs to offer the right level of support for the product. No software system is infallible and it can be frustrating hanging on for the customer support line. So timber frame manufacturers should select software from a supplier that offers both a personal, single point of contact, trainers from the construction industry with specialised skills, comprehensive training notes, industry-relevant tutorials and examples, tailored courses according to the organisation and individual requirements, on-site consultancy and training audits. This type of support will ensure that the software delivers the sustained time and cost efficiencies expected.
Added value
These savings, afforded by ease of use, can be passed on to the customer. In addition, the simple visualisation elements of a design program using industry standard AutoCAD or Architectural Desktop can add value to the service delivered by a timber frame manufacturer. This means that the housebuilder or contractor can view new designs not only as architectural drawings, but also as three-dimensional structures.
Key benefits in a timber frame design tool, such as the ability to see models of 3D framed buildings – based on UK building practices and in compliance with Building Regulations – rapid creation and manipulation of house types to consider alternative designs and appraise cost implications, automatic quantity take-off and scheduling for accurate cost analysis at any stage of the design, 2D or 3D visual appraisal of a house type from any viewpoint to avoid errors, rapid production and update of working drawings and manufacturing drawings and CNC machine or saw links, all contribute to the ease of use and versatility of an efficient and sustainable system.
