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Calculation Basis
Assumptions & Limits
- The page supports preliminary checks but does not replace full code compliance review.
- Allowable limits remain project-specific and must be checked separately.
- Elastic modulus, inertia, and loading inputs must match the real member.
Reference Basis
- Documentation: Methodology
- Documentation: Engineering Review
- Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain
- Mechanics of Materials references
- Eurocode 5 timber reference
Validation Examples
These check cases show how key pages compare against known elastic beam benchmarks or symmetric reference cases.
Timber serviceability benchmark
Case setup
L = 4.8 m, w = 2.4 kN/m, E = 11 GPa, I = 7119 cm^4
Validated metric
Maximum deflection
Reference
Reference result: 21.18 mm
Calculator
Calculator result: 21.18 mm
Check
Difference: 0.00%
Benchmark: closed-form simple-span UDL formula
Timber Span Setup
| Main question | How far can a timber beam span before deflection becomes critical? |
| Current member basis | LVL-style stiffness example |
| Current beam case | Simple span under UDL |
| Most sensitive input | Span length drives deflection strongly |
| Useful companion | Eurocode 5 timber beam calculator |
| Current preset | 5.4 m timber beam under 2.8 kN/m |
Engineering Notes
- For timber beams, span sensitivity is usually the first thing the designer feels in serviceability because deflection rises rapidly as span increases.
- Use this page before the final member family is fixed, especially for floors and roofs where visual comfort and finish sensitivity matter.
- Once a realistic span is identified, compare the result with the governing serviceability criterion and then move into the material-specific timber page if needed.
Related Pages