Application guide
TimberCalc
Timber elements design.
What this tool does
Timber elements design. This guide describes the main workflow, key information and stated limits to review when using the tool.
Use a calculator
- Choose a tool from the tabs. Use the tool-group list to find loads, beams, studs, connections, sections or racking.
- Edit the blue cells in the original worksheet positions and check their units. Blue worksheet notes and project, page, designer and date fields are editable too.
- Read statements, numerical working, outputs and comparisons where the source places them. Changing an engineering input updates dependent native values and any numerical working shown by that source sheet.
- A blue calculated cell initially shows its automatic value. Enter a number to use your own value in its dependent calculations. Clear the entry or press Escape in the cell to restore the automatic calculation.
- Correct input errors, read the calculation qualifications and inspect any original on-sheet diagrams or charts. Numerical working explains the implemented method; it does not resolve a source-method limitation.
- Use Save Data to retain all tool inputs, worksheet text and blue-cell entries. Load Data restores a saved project; Undo and Redo reverse edits, and Reset tool restores the selected tool's starting values.
- Use Print calculation to fit the same live sheet and its current values and qualifications onto one page. Original proportions and positions remain intact. Copy results records the selected calculation as text.
Read the original worksheet
Each calculator retains its source cell positions, row heights, column widths, merges, fonts, borders, text and visible graphics. Statements, working, answers and notes remain where the source places them, including sheets whose arrangement differs from the usual four columns. The live screen is also the printed calculation.
Blue cells are editable controls. Some originally contained formulas: their native automatic values remain available, with entered values taking precedence until cleared. An unavailable or unverified result must be read together with its explanation.
The source design and wall-racking sheets select A4 portrait. The floor worksheet has no saved paper size, so browser output uses A4 portrait. Printing retains source margins and fits the selected calculation onto one page.
Results and limits
The initial calculation methods come from the supplied timber design workbooks; their engineering and code-compliance review is pending. A passing comparison does not establish that the whole design complies with a timber code. Verify the material data, actions, restraints, detailing and suitability of the selected method.
For the simply supported beam and non-loadbearing stud, enter loads as line intensities in kN/m. Convert area pressures to line loads before entry; the reference-only centres field does not apply a tributary-width multiplier.
The floor racking method contains circular wind-load calculations and inconsistent summary references. Its wind demand, chord demand and overall result remain unavailable pending review; independent geometry and capacity values do not constitute a complete floor design.
The tension-and-bending tool identifies an unreliable original status comparison. Use the numeric utilisation and its warning. The cantilever also identifies differences between its initial shear and deflection expressions and the plotted elastic response.
Overview
Timber elements design.