Measures · Timber column
Timber column pre-sizing FREE
Work out the section of a timber column from its load and clear height. Below the result you find the formula and the standard.
Indicative pre-sizing. It does not replace a structural calculation signed by a licensed engineer. For seismic zones with agS (design ground acceleration) > 0.15g, long spans or use classes III/IV → talk to a structural engineer.
Pick a calculation from the list to start.
Formula, example and standard
Slenderness λ ≤ 150 · b ≥ h·√12 / λ
Example with the starting values (Load N: 100 kN; Clear height: 3 m): Indicative min section: 20×20 cm. Geometric min side: 6.9 cm.
- λ ≤ 150 as a general limit; GL24h glulam is typical.
- Minimum section 16×16 cm for columns in homes; 20×20 cm is better.
- For clear heights > 4 m: buckling governs.
Source: NTC 2018 ch. 4.4 + EC5 · design.rootiers.it
Indicative pre-sizing: it does not replace a calculation signed by a licensed engineer.
The other calculations
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