LIGHT-FRAME TIMBER AS A REPLACEMENT FOR RE-INFORCED CONCRETE IN LOW-RISE RESIDENTIAL HOUSES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

African cities are on the frontline of global warming, alongside climate change, and Civil Engineers being the pioneers of built environment, in this part of the world need to start doing more and faster, just like most of the modern cities around the world that are now concsiously, slowly evolving towards an environment with net-zero emissions and climate resilient systems. This paper explored the potential for using Opepe hardwood, graded D50 by the Eurocode, as a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional construction materials for low-rise residential buildings in Nigeria. The study uses Autodesk Robot Structure as the design software for analysis and design, with the ASD method as the design principle. A duplex (5000 sq.m on plan) was analyzed with live loads, wind velocity, load combination, and load duration factors considered. The results show that the use of Opepe hardwood and the application of ASD design principles yielded successful results in the analysis and design of light-frame timber structures. The cost savings and environmental benefits of using timber also make it an attractive alternative to traditional construction materials. It was therefore recommended that; architects, engineers, and builders in Nigeria explore the use of Opepe in their designs and construction projects.