We are pleased that this catalogue of general construction details for residential timber construction enables us to provide designers and builders with a practical, technically comprehensive document for residential timber construction.

This timber construction catalogue has been compiled drawing on construction experience, research and development of new system-oriented construction methods. The construction details given in this catalogue are to serve as a starting point for conceptual, initial as well as detailed design and execution. Circumstances, conditions and limitations specific to each project have to be taken into consideration in the final design solutions chosen. The catalogue can serve as practical basis in the first stages of a construction project using timber components; it however cannot act as a substitute for a knowledgeable designer and the technical expertise of an experienced builder. It is necessary that the suitability of a detail under consideration is verified by a qualified expert. Where the details provided are used in the design or construction process no liability is accepted.

For the practical implementation, the following points have to be considered and strictly adhered to.

Structural design
The designs of building components and fasteners at the heart of this catalogue of construction details are to be understood as schematic depictions which do not apply to or represent a specific building. Each detailed design will have to be adapted based on the structural design and the prevailing circumstances and conditions.

Construction details for thermal, acoustic and fire performance
The construction details presented in the database were developed with the aim to satisfy the current technical regulations in Austria. However, these requirements can vary depending on the circumstances of indivdiual projects. Specific solutions have to be evaluated taking into account circumstances, conditions and limitations specific to the project. All details have to be reviewed and adapted to the specific project.

Fire performance
The requirements and demands with regard to the detailing depend on the master plan for the building to be designed (concept for escape routes, location, dimensioning based on structural design).

Timber frame construction

The fundamental construction details presented in this catalogue were developed and designed to allow a high degree of prefabrication. However, the construction details presented here can also be used in traditional on-site erection. In all cases it has to be ensured that shear walls provide sufficient resistance to horizontal loads.

Solid wood construction
The details contained in the catalogue for solid wood construction solutions are all assuming the use of a convection inhibiting cross laminated timber component. If other products are used additional measures might be required to achieve similar performance levels.
 
We would be delighted if this catalogue of basic construction details can contribute to high-quality, sustainable, defect and damage free residential construction practices and at the same time help  reduce CO2 emissions in the construction sector overall. It would be a great success if the information provided here helped the building owner, the designer and builder to complete a timber construction building project to the delight of its users.

A collection of construction details does not constitute in itself a building, but every good building is made up of countless good constructions details.

Technical University of Graz / Laboratory for building physics , Ebner, 31.05.2003