Finite Element Modeling and Analysis of Aged Timber Trusses located in Northern Italy

A spruce timber truss located in Northern Italy is examined in this paper by finite element analysis, with two possible types of discretization: the first one taking into account the system as entirely composed of 2-node linear elements that coincide with their axis; a second scheme providing, for the tie beam only, a discretization based on 8-node solid elements. This allows, besides validating mutual results, to evaluate, in future studies, the adequacy of any reinforcements employable for the tie beam. In fact, despite the maximum stress for the truss examined yields acceptable values, any possible degradation condition - to be suitably assessed - might alter the mechanical properties of the wood over time.