We collaborate with architects to develop innovative and functional bearing structures, including offices, terraced houses, hospitals and sport facilities. We also design car parks, loading platforms, bridges and many other types of structures. We select the materials for these projects based on their load and maintenance requirements.
We design foundations and solutions for the excavation planning in accordance with the circumstances on site. Our services also include the design and use of prefabricated support structures, concrete and steel maintenance, and design and construction of composite wood components.
Our models are also available in BIM and VDC.
What are the advantages of timber construction and timber composite construction in structural planning?
Rapp's structural planning in timber construction and timber composite construction offers numerous specific advantages. These have an impact on the following aspects:
- Static efficiency
- Construction physics
- Economic efficiency
- Sustainability
From a planning point of view, wood shines above all due to its high load-bearing capacity with a relatively low dead weight. This enables a resource-saving design. If particularly large spans are to be achieved, the use of glued laminated timber (glulam) or laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is recommended. This is because these timbers have an even higher load-bearing capacity.
Wood is also very easy to work with, which means that the supporting structure can also be adapted in later construction phases. If the supporting structure is modular, the building can also be extended or expanded at a later time.
Another advantage of timber for structural planning in timber construction and timber composite construction is its high elasticity and ductility. As a result, it can absorb earthquake loads better than rigid materials such as concrete. This is particularly essential for high-rise buildings and bridge structures.
Contrary to popular belief, wood is also extremely resistant to fires because it forms a protective layer of carbon. This shields the wooden core from the flames and ensures the load-bearing behaviour over a longer period of time. Hybrid construction using steel or concrete is the optimum solution, especially for load-bearing structures that are subject to heavy loads.
When is timber composite construction the best choice for structural planning?
Structural planning in timber construction and timber composite construction by Rapp is particularly appropriate when it comes to these aspects:
- High load-bearing capacity
- Noise protection
- Fire protection
- Sustainability
Composite timber construction is particularly important in certain projects because it has clear advantages over pure timber or steel designs. This particularly applies to multi-storey buildings and bridges. Composite timber construction also shows its strengths in large-area ceiling systems and renovations.
Rapp carries out structural planning for all building materials and almost all types of buildings. Our team has many years of experience in the planning and optimisation of load-bearing structures. We specialise in timber construction because it is sustainable and enables particularly flexible solutions.
How sustainable is timber construction in structural planning compared to other construction methods?
Sustainability plays an important role in all the solutions and measures that Rapp recommends. This also applies to structural planning in timber construction and timber composite construction. In any case, wood is a very sustainable material because it is constantly renewing itself and does not have to be produced. In contrast, concrete has to be made from sand and gravel, which depletes natural resources.
The production of concrete and steel also generates high CO₂ emissions and is therefore harmful to the environment and the atmosphere. Wood, on the other hand, is at least CO₂ neutral, if not CO₂ positive. This is because wood stores CO₂ as it grows, and continues to do so after harvesting. This reduces the ecological footprint of timber buildings.
Wood also consumes much less energy during production, transport and processing, i.e. the so-called grey energy. Prefabricating timber components saves energy thanks to efficient production processes and reduced use of construction machinery. And the transport of wood is less costly due to the comparatively low weight of the material.
What's more, wood can be recycled in many ways and can be optimally integrated into a raw material cycle. For example, it can be used again as a building material if its condition permits.
Which standards and guidelines apply to modern timber construction in structural planning?
It goes without saying that Rapp takes the applicable standards and guidelines into account in the structural planning of timber construction and timber composite construction. In particular, these include the SIA 265 structural standard for timber constructions. It corresponds to Eurocode 5 (EN 1995), but is adapted to Swiss conditions. The supplements SIA 265/1 and SIA 265/2 specify composite construction methods and adhesives and bonding in timber construction respectively.
The fire protection regulations of the Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers (VKF) are decisive for the fire protection of timber buildings. In addition, building laws and regulations issued individually by the cantons must also be observed.
