TRAROM TECHNOLOGY
MODULAR TIMBER STRUCTURE WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF RESISTANCE
TRAROM is a research project in which several wooden structural systems used mainly in the construction of traditional Romanian houses were studied, analysed and tested. The project aimed to determine the best performing structural system, from the point of view of the resistance to cutting force that simulates the behaviour of the structure during an earthquake, according to EUROCODE 5.
The proposed structural systems aim to use wooden elements as simple, as easy to execute, without the need of skilled workforce. The walls structural frame is made of timber of 4 to 6 cm thickness and which is reinforced with battens of 2 cm for placed at 45 degrees on different directions on each side. The joints and connections between the elements are made by mechanical fixing in screws or nails of different sizes.
Each structural system was tested under the same conditions with a force that simulates as accurately as possible the loads given by wind, snow and earthquake under real conditions of use. This resulted in a cutting force of 45 kN applied to the top of the wall.
Hysteretic curve of Specimen 4
Following the tests performed on each structural system, the most efficient of them proved to be the Specimen 4, having a shear strength of 70 kN.
The structure of NIDUS Homes is based on TRAROM technology and is made of locally processed and responsible timber, dried and approved for construction. The cladding is done with planks arranged at 45 degrees in opposite directions on each side (plank raking technology) - Specimen 4 in the figure above - thus ensuring an increased rigidity and creating the space for TERMOPAIE - the ecological thermal insulation. No plywood or other chemically processed panels (OSB, MDF, HDF) were used in order to avoid any possible emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or formaldehyde, the toxic compounds that are harmful for people after long term exposure.
More details about the TRAROM project and technology can be found here.