Static and thermohygrometric analysis of a new typology of timber framed structure in dolomites

In this paper a study is presented about timber frames structures in Dolomites area. A wood timber frame construction system spans across a very long period in time and across a broad geographical area. The construction elements have guaranteed longevity to structures located in very different areas, under a geographical, climatic and seismic point of view. In most frames cases, it is the masonry that constitutes the filling. This construction system in Europe has been used both for dwelling and work buildings. Timber frames solutions have been chosen according to local traditions, historical and economical context. This construction procedure is widespread present in the area of the Dolomites; in particular in the valleys nearby Cortina D'Ampezzo, where environment conditions are particularly severe: traditional constructions used to combine the dwelling part with the barn. These buildings are nowadays, in a lot of cases, abandoned and there is no sign of interest as for a new use of them due to many changes, such as the disappearing of grazing and agriculture activities, the consequences of modern living on environment. Aim of this paper is to present a new kind of building (designed for housing), entirely wood framed (static function), filled with masonry (environmental comfort) and preserving the features of traditional buildings: proportions of the housing and of the frames, visible frame structure. The environmental comfort is provided by interior masonry filled frames. The paper presents the thermohygrometric analysis of the walls, the structural verifications of the main elements constituting the frame and the connections between them. Finally, attention is drawn to the aspect of durability indicating the proposed protective measures.