THE STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS OF THE TIMBER ROOFS: JOINTS AND JOINING PLATES

In the article the authors present the practical design solutions regarding to structural timber roofs, especially the carpentry joints. The selected factors and parameters which should be respected during the correct static scheme of the roof structure selection are presented. The main differences between the two widely used and visually similar static schemes of roof systems are listed: the rafter – collar tie and the rafter – doubled collar tie roofing systems. A concise comparison of the structural work of these systems is presented. Primarily, in the paper the selected joints and joining plates were discussed in detail. The most popular traditional solutions of used carpentry joints and the new, alternative ones are described. The advantages and disadvantages of discussed solutions are pointed, as well as the advices on their practical use in the construction industry. As a conclusion, based on the conducted research it can be stated that using the innovative solutions of joints and joining plates avoids the most common assembly errors and are a good solution for joining the structural elements of the timber roofs.