A

Seminar Report
On

ENGINEERING WOOD IN COLD CLIMATE

In partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of
Bachelor of Engineering
In
Civil Engineering

Under the Guidance of: SUBMITTED BY:

Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma Rishabh Parihar (16BCIN031)
Yash Devra (16BCIN029)
Kandarp Somani (16BCIN034)
Harsh Kumar (16BCIN040)

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

JECRC UNIVERSITY
Jaipur-303905
 CERTIFICATE

Certified that seminar work entitled “Engineering Wood In Cold Climate” is a bonafide work
carried out in the sixth semester by Rishabh Parihar , Yash Deora , Kandarp Somani , Harsh
Kumar in partial fulfilment for the award of Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from
JECRC University Jaipur during the academic year of 2018-2019.

Under the Guidance of :

Mr. Rakesh Kumar Verma

(Dept. of Civil Engineering)

 Abstract
Engineered wood is increasingly used in large structures in Europe, though little is known of its
behavior in cold climate. This paper presents the structural health monitoring (SHM) system of a
newly built suspension bridge with a deck of glulam timber as well as a bond stability study
regarding cold climate performance of engineered wood. The bridge is located in Skellefteå in
northern Sweden, and it connects two parts of the city situated on opposite shores of the
Skellefteå river. In this ongoing study of the timber-bridge, a structural health monitoring system
is employed to verify structural design and long-term performance. This 130m-span bridge is
monitored using GNSS receivers, MEMS accelerometers, laser positioning systems, wireless
moisture content sensors, strain gauges and weather stations. Data from the monitoring systems
is analyzed regarding accuracy, complexity, costs and reliability for long time use. Engineered
wood application in bridges, sports centers and timber buildings are discussed. Bond stability of
glulam structures in cold climate is also examined in a range of experiments ranging from small
glued wood joints to full size glulam bridge performance over time. From an engineered wood
material point of view, the study is relevant to cold regions such as Scandinavia, Canada, Alaska,
Russia, and the northern parts of China and Japan etc. The engineered wood constructions in
these areas will be exposed to low temperature in a quite long period each year. The goal is to
determine how engineered wood behaves when exposed to temperatures between 20 °C to -60
°C.
 Table of content

S.No Topic Page

No
1 Certificate
2 Candidate Declaration
3 Acknowledgement
4 Abstract
5 Table of content
6 Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
7 Chapter 2: ENGINEERED WOOD IN INDIA
8 Chapter 3: CLIMATE IN INDIA
3.1 Cold & Dry Regions
3.1.1 Essential features in designing of a house
3.1.2 Design Criteria
9 Chapter 4: COLD CLIMATE
4.1 Roofing in the cold and dry region
10 Chapter 5: HIMACHAL PRADESH
5.1 Climate
5.2 Topogarphy
5.3 Major Problems
5.3.1 Settlement patterns : Typical village along stepped
contours
5.4 Kath Khuni Technique
5.4.1 Foundation
5.4.2 Wall
5.4.3 Flooring
5.4.4 Kitchen
5.4.5 Roofing
5.4.6 Attic
11 Chapter 6: LADAKH
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Climate : Cold & Sunny
6.3 Topography
6.4 Settlement Pattern
6.5 Urban Planning
6.6 Architecture – Spatial Layout
6.7 Courtyards
6.8 Flat Roof
12 Chapter 7: MANGOLIA
7.1 Topography
7.2 Yurt
7.3 Process
13 Bibliography
 CHAPTER - 1
Introduction
Wood construction is increasingly using engineered wood products. Engineered wood
application in bridges, sports centers and timber buildings are common in Europe and North
America. Adhesives are the key part of these engineered wood products and play an important
role in the performance of engineered wood products. How do the bond lines of engineered
wood behave under extreme cold climate? The concern is stronger in regions like Scandinavia,
Canada, Alaska, Russia, and North China and Japan etc. The bond of most adhesives is more
brittle than wood. The performance of bond lines at elevated temperatures is well documented ,
but not much information is available on the stability of bond lines at low temperatures and
especially under extremely cold temperatures. The number of timber bridges has increased a lot
in Sweden during the past 20 years. In general today the health of the bridges is assessed at
regular intervals by visual inspections and if necessary some minor local tests. Continuous
measurements could complement the inspections and provide a better basis for planning
maintenance activities and evaluating the remaining service life. The overall objective of this
project is to develop monitoring tools for timber structures to guide the planning of
maintenance and to signal any urgent problems that should be addressed immediately. A timber
footbridge was built over the Skellefteå river in Sweden 2011. It is a cable-stayed bridge with a
span of 130 m. The monitoring of the bridge contributes to wood research on specific areas such
as durability of timber bridges and vibrations of wooden deck plates, but also to research on
measurement and data transmitting techniques. This research project takes advantage in that
the bridge is being built during the project period and that the measurements are planned in
cooperation with manufacturers, builders and the owner. This gives the opportunity to install
equipment during the construction of the bridge. In this way, the measurements deliver
complete and unique data from long-term monitoring. Wireless sensor networks are tested for
the bridge monitoring. Temperature, wind and rain are measured at the site. The bridge is
monitored for temperature, moisture, movements, deflections and vibrations at different points
enabling analyses of the bridge health. Vibration measurements using accelerometers, natural
frequencies and modes will be used to evaluate the structure.
 Fig.1 Sun And Earth Relation

Fig. 2 Climate Classification On World Map

 CHAPTER - 2
ENGINEERED WOOD IN INDIA

Teak Wood - Moderately hard, teak is durable and fire-resistant. It can be easily
seasoned and worked. It takes up a good polish and is not attacked by white ants and
dry rot. It does not corrode iron fastenings and it shrinks little. It is among the most
valuable timber trees of the world and its use is limited to superior work only.

Sissoo Wood - Also known as shisham or tali, this wood is strong and tough. It is
durable and handsome and it maintains its shape well. It can be easily seasoned. It is
difficult to work but it takes a fine polish. It is used for high quality furniture, plywoods,
bridge piles, sport goods, railway sleepers and so forth. It is a very good material for
decorative works.

Satinwood - (Scientific name: Chloroxylon swietenia | Color: Yellow | Density :960

kg/m³ | Found in: Central and Southern India) It is very hard and durable. It is close
grained. It is used for furniture and other ornamental works. Vulnerable

Sal Wood - (Scientific name: Shorea robusta | Color: Brown | Density :880–1050
kg/m³ | Found in: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
Madhya Pradesh, Orissa)
It is hard, fibrous and close-grained. It does not take up a good polish. It requires
slow and careful seasoning. It is durable underground and water. It is used for
railway sleepers, shipbuilding, and bridges.

Rosewood - (Scientific name: Dalbergia latifolia | Color: Dark | Density :850 kg/m³ |
Found in: Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orrissa)
It is strong, tough and close-grained. It is a handsome wood that takes up a high polish. It
maintains its shape well and is available in large sizes. It is used for furniture of superior
quality, cabinet work, ornamental carvings and so forth. Vulnerable

Pine Wood - (Scientific name: Pinus spp.)

Pine wood is hard and tough except white pine which is soft. It decays easily if it comes
into contact with soil. It is heavy and coarse grained. It is used for pattern making, frames
for doors and windows, and for paving material. White pine is light and straight grained
and is used in the manufacture of matches.

Mulberry Wood - (Scientific name: Morus spp. | Color: Brown | Density :650 kg/m³
| Found in: Punjab)
It is strong, tough and elastic. It takes up a clean finish. It can be well seasoned. It is
turned and carved easily. Mulberry is typically used for baskets and sports goods like
hockey sticks, tennis rackets and cricket bats.
Mahogany Wood - (Scientific name: Swietenia spp. | Color: Reddish brown |
Density :720 kg/m³)
It takes a good polish and is easily worked. It is durable under water. It is most
commonly used for furniture, pattern making and cabinet work.

Jack Wood - (Scientific name: Mangifera caesia. | Color: Yellow, darkens with age |
Density :595 kg/m³ | Found in: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala)
It is compact and even grained. It is moderately strong and easy to work. It takes a good
finish and maintains its shape well. It has many uses including plain furniture, boat
construction, well curbs, door panels, cabinet making and musical instruments.

Deodar Wood - (Scientific name: Cedrus deodara | Color: Yellowish brown |

Density :560 kg/m³ | Found in: Himalayas, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh)
Deodar is the most important timber tree providing soft wood. It can be easily
worked and it is moderately strong. It possesses distinct annual rings. It is used
for making cheap furniture, railway carriages, railway sleepers, packing boxes,
structural work and so forth.

Bamboo Wood - (Scientific name: Family Poaceae, tribe Bambuseae | Found in:
Throughout India, especially Assam and Bengal)
Not actually a tree, but a woody grass, it is flexible, very strong and durable. It is used for
scaffoldings, thatched roofs, rafters, temporary bridges, and so forth.
 CHAPTER – 3
Climate In India

Fig. 3 India’s Climate map

India is home to an extraordinary variety of climatic regions, ranging from tropical in south to
temperate and alpine in north, where the elevated regions receive sustained winter snowfall.
The nation’s climate is strongly influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar desert.

3.1 Cold & Dry Regions

Regions that lie in the cold climate zone are situated at the high altitudes. The temperatures
ranges between 20 – 30 C in summers; while in winter, in rages from -3 – 8 C, making it quite
chilly.

3.1.1 Essential features in designing of a house

(a) Building will have sloping roof.

(b) Windows will have wooden panels.

(c) Timber paneled wall will be used instead of brick or stone masonry.

(d) Bedroom will be on south west of the house.

(e) Kitchen will be on south east of the house.

(f) Dinning will be on the south.

(g) Bathroom will be on the north west of the house.

(h) Natural light is important in the house.

(i) Flooring of the house must be of timber.

(j) Living area should be in the north of the building.

(k) Utility rooms should be in the south.

(l) Cross ventilation is very important for healthy living.

(m) Tress can be planted near windows to the block cold air.

3.1.2 Design Criteria

(a) Increase thermal resistance

(b) Increase thermal capacity

(c) Increase buffer spaces

(d) Decrease air exchange rate Roof insulation, wall insulation and double glazing

(e) Thicker walls

(f) Air locks / lobbies

(g) Reduce shading

(h) Utilize heat from appliances

(i) Trapping heat

(j) Orientation and shape of the building

(k) Uses of trees as wind barriers.

 CHAPTER – 4
Cold climate
Cold and cloudy Cold and sunny

(a) HIMACHAL PRADESH (a) LEH LADAKH

(b) MANGOLIA

4.1 Roofing In The Cold And Dry Region

1. Gable roofs are used in hilly areas, as these roof types are able to shed snow in the hilly areas.

2. The main used material for roofing in hilly area is timber, as it is locally available from the
trees.

3. Trees which are used for this purpose are cedar.

Fig. 4
 CHAPTER – 5
HIMACHAL PRADESH
- cold and cloudy - DEV BHOOMI- ABODE OF GODS

1. It is situated in the laps of Himalayas – surrounded by number of ranges

2. Main occupation Agriculture Wheat, Maize, Rice, potato, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, olives.

Fig. 4 Himachal Pradesh shows on Indian Map

5.1 Climate - cold and cloudy

Himachal Pradesh experiences of huge variations in it’s climatic conditions (The variations of
climatic conditions are divided according to
altitude)

1. 450- 900 m – hot and sub humid tropical –

southern lower traces

2. 900-1800 m – warm and temperate

3. 1900-2400 m – cool and temperate

4. 2400-4800 m – cold glacial

5. 3000 m – snowfall Fig. 5 Himachal Pradesh

Octobers - very cold

December-march – snowfall

Feb-April - spring season

June rainy - season starts

Fig. 6 Winter Season In HP

5.2 TOPOGRAPHY

AREA: 55673kmsq.

1. Shares borders

2. Numerous mountain ranges, like Shivalik ranges

3. (450-6500) m above the sea level

4. Latitude - 32’ 22’ 40” north to 33’12’40”north.

 Fig. 7 Topography In Himachal Pradesh

5. Longitude - 75’ 45’ 55” to 79’ 07’20” east.

6. 38% of total area under forest

7. Satluj is most prominent river, others are Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Yamuna.

5.3 Major Problems

1. Frequent and Seismic tremor
2. Problems of soil erosion and land slides.
3. Suitable orientation on the hill slopes.
4. Existence of tall shoddy trees and dense forest area, which obstruct the winter sun required
for the buildings.
5. Limitations on the height of the building due to earthquake risk.
6. High cost involved in the site development due to the cutting and the filling process.
7. Non-availability and transportation problems of construction materials

5.3.1 Settlement patterns : Typical village along stepped contours

The traditional settlements appears to have the color of the land and appear just right almost
ecologically planned. The landscape materials, techniques of making, all contribute to a common
formal language of settlement.
Typically located along the contoured sunny slopes admits backdrop of hills and snow clad
mountains and appear to organically grow out of the fold of the landscape.

Fig. 8 Stepped Contours Of Himachal Pradesh

5.4 KATH KHUNI TECHNIQUE

1. Made of alternate courses of dry stone masonry and wood without cementing mortar.
2. Layering and inter locking timber and stone provides strength, stability and flexibility
(Earthquake resistant).
3. These heavy walls allow a good thermal insulation by providing high time-lag of more than 8
hours. This makes the interior of the house cooler in summer and warm in winter for
maximum part of the year.
4. Above the plinth walls are strong with alternating stone layer, as the wall rises up it is only
the wood frame that is stacked above another wood frame. This distributes mass optimally.
5. Interiors of wall are finished with mud plaster and lined with wood on account of its good
insulation and binding properties.
6. Resist sliding or overturning during land movement.
7. Dry masonry construction allow stones to undulate within a flexible wooden frame work to
allow energy of earthquake to disperse.
 Fig. 9 Kath Khuni Technique Used In Himachal Pradesh

Fig. 10 Wooden Floor

5.4.1 Foundation
Stone plinth – 0.6 – 1 meters for two storey buildings. 3 meters for tower temples.
 The upper floors are made of timber planks and timber-joints

Fig. 11 Foundation

5.4.2 Wall

Fig. 12 Wall Of Kath Khuni Technique

5.4.3 Flooring
In the ground level mud & cow-dung were used for flooring above the plinth made of random
rubble masonry. The upper floors are made of timber planks and timberjoists
 Fig. 13 Floor Made Up Of Cow Dung

5.4.4 Kitchen
1. Kitchen made of mud, placed at center which helps in keeping the indoor warm.
2. Balconies: Provide a good sun-space or solarium.
3. Cantilevered balcony resting on stone wall
4. Wooden members supports it to provide stability.
5. Courtyard Sunny courtyard to perform various activities during day time.

Fig. 14 Kitchen Made Up Of Mud

5.4.5 Roofing
1. Pitched roof with locally available timber. Slate used for roof covering. Below the roof a
ceiling is constructed with timber.
2. The light-weight roof construction and the air between the roofing and attic-floor provided
a very good thermal insulation against the passage of heat.
3. Low pitched roof provides a good solution to drain off the rain-water/snow from the
dwellings.
 Fig. 15 Wooden Roofing

5.4.6 Attic
1. Multifunctional space
2. Served as abode of god.
3. Storage of grain.
4. Windows – ventilates and helps to dry the grains .

Fig. 16 Attic Roofing

 CHAPTER:-6
LADAKH
Introduction
1. Climate
2. Topography
3. Settlement pattern
4. Urban plan
5. Architecture spatial layout
6. Building material and construction techniques.
6.1 INTRODUCTION
1. Ladakh region is at the highest altitude , belongs to the Tibetan Buddhist sphere, western
neighbouring region is Kashmir.
2. Mountainous region
3. Little vegetation
4. Cold desert

Fig. 17 Ladakh In India Map

6.2 CLIMATE: COLD AND SUNNY

Himachal Pradesh experiences of huge variations in it’s climatic conditions (The variations of
climatic conditions are divided according to altitude)

1. 450- 900 m hot and sub humid tropical –

southern lower traces
2. 900-1800 m – warm and temperate
3. 1900-2400 m – cool and temperate
4. 2400-4800 m – cold glacial
5. 3000 m – snowfall

6.3 TOPOGRAPHY
1. Ladakh is land located between two mightiest mountains rangeskarakoram in north and
great Himalayas in south. Ladakh has its own range, ladakh range and zanskar range
2. Dras, zanskar and the suru valley on the Himalaya’s northern flanks receive heavy snow in
winter, when it melts in the summer it becomes only source of the water for the crops here
as there is very less or no rainfall.
3. Because of thin air in its atmosphere the heat of the sun is more intense then at lower
altitude vegetation is very sparse in ladakh except along stream beds and wet lands, on high
slopes and in irrigated places.

Fig. 18 Ladakh

6.4 SETTLEMENT PATTERN

1. Leh is the biggest town of ladakh.
2. The settlements of various sizes are located along the meandering river Indus flowing
from east to west. This creates northern settlements facing south to allow maximum
sunlight.
 3. The houses are located on slopes of the mountain rather than the plains or valley in
order to increase the time duration of sun
4. Also they are close to water bodies and Fertile land.

Fig. 19 Houses In Ladakh

6.5 URBAN PLANNING

1. Leh is typically located on plateau on the northern banks of Indus river.
2. The old town is on southern slopes of mountains where as newer parts are extended in
plains in south west direction.
3. The highest point of Leh is occupied by houses of nobles and lower side by commoners
and main bazzar area.
4. The vertical staging of buildings ensures the sunlight to all individual houses.
5. The houses are placed in such a manner so that its 2-3 sides are shared with other
houses to reduce heat loss.
6. The street pattern of old town is such that it allows maximum solar penetration.
7. The important streets are laid in north south axis.
 Fig. 20 Urban Planning In Ladakh

6.6 ARCHITECTURE – SPATIAL LAYOUT

a) Most of the houses are two storey buildings
b) Larger houses are based on courtyard while smaller ones don’t have the courtyard
c) The ground floor is low in height , used in keeping livestock, storage purposes and also to
collect toilet waste.

6.7 COURTYARDS
a) Upper floor is used for living purposes usually consist of prayer room, store, toilet, kitchen ,
drawing and bedroom.
b) Sometimes kitchen area and sleeping area are same to add warmth inside the house.
c) Main hall is furnished with carpets and smoke chimney.
d) The main living room is fitted with large window facing the sun it traps solar radiation as and
indigenous green house mechanism without opening the windows in some cases these
windows are provided with double glazing to hence the insulating properties.
 Fig. 21 Courtyard In Ladakh

6.8 MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION

1. Primary building material is earth and timber available locally.
2. Both are natural materials offering climatic comfort in condition of Ladakh
3. They are used due to their high thermal insulating properties.
4. Mud plaster is applied on walls.
5. Quartzite stone is used in making lower storey palaces or forts where protection from water
is required .

Leh palace

a) Stones are used in lower parts of walls to provide protection and strength. (stone)
b) Sun dried earth block- 300x150x150 mm used for walls of thickness 300 or 450 mm. • Soil
available is alluvial soil found in banks of Indus.
c) Floors of lower storey are made of mud while upper storey by timber
d) It is observed that traditional construction of earth block and timber was able to offer
temperature difference of 40° C in extreme winters. When outside is -20 inside it is 20 C
recorded.
e) The sills and jambs are articulated by the plaster band often coloured in red or black these
timber lintels and plaster bands are the distinct features of ladakhi architecture.

Fig. 22 Houses In Ladakh

6.9 ROOF- FLAT ROOF

a) Beams are placed 50-60 cm apart having 15 cm diameter and 3-4 m long.
b) These beams are covered by popular willows spread in the other direction its thickness is 20-
30 mm .
c) 15-20 cm of dry grass, hay ,etc…. Over the willows, finally plaster of clayey mud

Fig. 23 Roof In Ladakh

d) Capital and post supporting the roof.

e) This type of wooden design is speciality of ladakh.
f) The lintels of doors and windows are corbelled features with ornamentation.
g) Doors and windows are made of timber brought from Kashmir.
Fig. 24 Wooden Work In Houses
 CHAPTER:-7
Mongolia
7.1 Climate - Cold and dry
a) Short summers
b) Long winters
c) 20-35 cm a year of rainfall
d) More than half of the country covered in permafrost
e) Average temperature below freezing
f) Average of 257 cloudless days a year

7.2 Topography

a) The main mongolian topographic feature are three mountain ranges, which creates separate
river drainage basins and some different topographic zones.
b) The GOBI DESERT lies in the south of mongolia, and stretches into northern china. It has
VERY LOW RAINFALL which creates the desert by the rain shadow, formed by 4500 meter
high Tibetian Plateau which blocks rain-bearing clouds.

7.3 Yurt
1. Traditional yurts consist of an expanding wooden circular frame carrying a felt cover.
2. The felt is made from the wool of the flocks of sheep that accompany the pastoralist .
3. The frame consists of one or more expanding lattice wall-sections, a door-frame, bent roof
poles and a crown.
4. The Mongolian Ger has one or more columns to support the crown and straight roof poles.
7.4 Process

Fig. 25 Starting with walls and doors

Fig. 26 Starting to place roof poles

1. Roof poles and place

2. Placing the thin inner cover on the roof
3. Adding felt cover

Fig. 27 Adding the outer cover

 REFRENCES
https://www.askideas.com/30-beautiful-inside-pictures-and-photos-of-leh-palace-leh-ladakh/

https://sarikagulati.wordpress.com/2010/12/30/traditional-roofing-in-leh-ladakh/

http://www.kamit.jp/05_wooden/1_ladakh/xint_eng.htm

http://www.academia.edu/12616882/Vernacular_Architecture_and_Climatic_Control_in_the_extreme_c
onditions _of_Ladakh