Development of rational guidelines for traditional joints in oak frame construction

Traditional green oak timber frame construction is enjoying a revival in the UK through rising interest in the conservation of the historic building stock and low energy, sustainable construction methods. Contemporary design requirements, in conjunction with higher modern building specifications has forced proof loading or destructive testing to be adopted in many cases due to lack of engineering guidelines. This paper presents findings from a programme of research which developed analysis methods for all-timber pegged mortice and tenon connections and frames in green oak carpentry.