ENCE 301 · Micro Syllabus · Year III / Part I
Design of Timber & Masonry Structures
Design of Timber and Masonry Structures Micro Syllabus – ENCE 301
The Design of Timber and Masonry Structures micro syllabus (ENCE 301) is a core subject for third-year civil engineering students at the Institute of Engineering (IOE), Tribhuvan University. This page presents the complete, unit-wise Design of Timber and Masonry Structures ENCE 301 micro syllabus including teaching schedules, depth codes, topic descriptions, references, and model questions.
Design of Timber and Masonry Structures covers two of the oldest and most widely used construction materials in Nepal and globally. The timber section focuses on the structural properties of wood, joint design, and the design of columns and beams including built-up, spaced, and flitched members. The masonry section addresses brick, stone, and block construction, including load-bearing wall design, lateral load analysis, and seismic strengthening — all critical knowledge for Nepal’s earthquake-prone context.
This Design of Timber and Masonry Structures micro syllabus follows eight units, from structural timber characterization and joint detailing to masonry wall design under gravity and lateral loads, seismic design principles, and non-destructive testing of masonry elements. Key references include IS 883, IS 1905, NBC 109, NBC 202, and NBC 203, making this course directly applicable to professional engineering practice in Nepal.
Teaching Schedule
Lecture · Tutorial · Practical Hours
| L (Lecture) | T (Tutorial) | P (Practical) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
Examination Scheme
Theory Assessment – Theory Only Subject
| Theory Assessment Marks | Theory Final Duration (Hrs) | Theory Final Marks | Practical Assessment Marks | Practical Final Marks | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 3 | 60 | 0 | 0 | 100 |
Depth Codes
Legend – Teaching Depth Indicators
E Explanation
DES Discussion
D Definition
DM Demonstration
DV Derivation
DW Drawing
P Proof
I Illustration
NUM Numerical
PRG Programming
S State
ACT Activity-based
MP Mini Project
EXP Experiment
REV Review / Recap
PS Problem Solving
QA Question Answer
Q Quiz
ST Surprise Test
MT Mid Term Test
Design of Timber and Masonry Structures – Unit-wise Micro Syllabus
1
Structural Timber
2L · 0T · 0P · Week 1| Topic / Sub-topic | Description | Depth Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 Introduction to Timber Structures | Definition and uses of timber; examples of timber structures. Characteristics of good timber. Advantages and disadvantages. Physical and mechanical properties of timber. | D, E | 0.5 |
| 1.2 Characteristics and Classification of Structural Timbers | Classification of structural timber according to grade, location, durability, treatability, availability, and refractoriness to air seasoning. | D, E | 0.5 |
| 1.3 Factors Affecting the Strength of Structural Timbers | Description of the various factors that affect the strength of structural timber (moisture content, grain direction, knots, slope of grain, etc.). | D, E | 0.25 |
| 1.4 Grade of Structural Timbers and Permissible Stresses | Grade of timber based on code provisions (IS 883). Permissible stresses for various species of timber. | D, E | 0.25 |
| 1.5 Cross-Laminated, Glued-Laminated, Nail-Laminated, and Dowel-Laminated Timber | Definition and uses of CLT, GLT, NLT, and DLT in modern structural applications. | D, E | 0.5 |
| Evaluation: QA, Q | |||
2
Joints in Timber Structures
4L · 1T · 0P · Weeks 1–2| Topic / Sub-topic | Description | Depth Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 Types of Mechanical Fasteners: Bolts, Nails, Screws | Definition and introduction to traditional timber joineries using mechanical fasteners. | D, E | 1 |
| 2.2 Behavior and Design of Bolted and Nailed Joints | Framed joints, lap joints, and fish plate joints. Design of bolted joints (pitch, gauge, end distance, edge distance). Design of nailed joints: types of nails, specifications, and strength of nailed joints. Numerical problems on design of bolted joints. | D, E, NUM | 1.5 |
| 2.3 Joint (Connection) Detailing | Connection detailing for various joint types; uses and figures illustrating typical timber connection details. | D, E, I | 1.5 |
| Evaluation: QA, Q | |||
3
Structural Elements of Timber Structures
8L · 3T · 0P · Weeks 2–4| Topic / Sub-topic | Description | Depth Code | Hours (L, T) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 Types of Timber Columns and Column Bases | Description of the types of timber columns (solid, built-up, box, spaced) and their column base configurations. | D, E, I | 1 |
| 3.2 Design of Axially Loaded Columns | Design of solid columns, built-up columns, box columns, and spaced columns as per IS 883 codal provisions. Numerical problems. | E, NUM | 2, 1 |
| 3.3 Design of Columns Subjected to Combined Bending and Direct Stresses | Design procedure for timber columns subjected to combined bending and direct compressive stresses. Numerical problems. | E, NUM | 2, 1 |
| 3.4 Types of Timber Beams | Description of types of timber beams: solid, built-up, box, I-section, and flitched beams. | D, E | 1 |
| 3.5 Design of Flexural Members (Beams and Flitched Beams) | Design of timber flexural members; checks for horizontal shear, bearing stress, and deflection. Design of flitched beams. Numerical problems. | E, NUM | 2, 1 |
| Evaluation: QA, Q, MT | |||
4
Masonry Structures
4L · 0T · 0P · Weeks 5–6| Topic / Sub-topic | Description | Depth Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.1 Introduction, History, and Use of Masonry Structures | Definition of masonry and masonry units; uses of masonry structures; types of masonry; advantages and disadvantages; history of masonry structures in ancient and modern times; structural limitations of masonry. | D, E | 0.5 |
| 4.2 Characteristics of Brick, Stone, Concrete Block, Hollow Block, and Compressed Earth Block | Characteristics and construction methodology; advantages and disadvantages of each masonry unit type. | D, E | 0.5 |
| 4.3 Stone Masonry Structures: Types and Characteristics | Characteristics and construction methodology of stone masonry (rubble, coursed, ashlar); advantages and disadvantages. | D, E | 1 |
| 4.4 Brick Masonry Structures: Types and Characteristics | Description of bricks; stretcher, header, types of closer; description of different types of bonds (English bond, Flemish bond, rat-trap bond) with figures. | D, E | 1 |
| 4.5 Reinforced and Unreinforced Masonry | Definition, types, advantages, and disadvantages of reinforced and unreinforced masonry systems. | D, E | 0.5 |
| 4.6 Confined Masonry | Definition of confined masonry; construction technology; advantages and disadvantages; comparison with reinforced masonry. | D, E | 0.5 |
| Evaluation: QA, Q | |||
5
Design of Masonry Walls for Gravity Loads
8L · 8T · 0P · Weeks 6–8| Topic / Sub-topic | Description | Depth Code | Hours (L, T) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 Codal Provisions | Introduction to various design codes for masonry design (IS 1905, SP 20, NBC 202). Use of masonry structures as load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. | D, E | 1 |
| 5.2 Design of Solid Walls under Gravity Loads | Design examples of solid wall and cavity wall under gravity loads. Selection of brick strength and mortar grade. | E, NUM | 1, 2 |
| 5.3 Design of Walls with Openings | Design examples of masonry walls with openings (doors, windows); effective wall length and slenderness calculations. | E, NUM | 2, 2 |
| 5.4 Design of Walls Subjected to Eccentric Loads | Design examples of solid wall and cavity wall subjected to eccentric loads; stress calculations for combined bending and axial loading. | E, NUM | 2, 2 |
| 5.5 Design of Walls Acting as Columns | Design examples of isolated masonry piers and walls acting as columns under axial and eccentric loads. | E, NUM | 2, 2 |
| Evaluation: QA, Q | |||
6
Masonry Structures Under Lateral Loads
7L · 2T · 0P · Weeks 8–10| Topic / Sub-topic | Description | Depth Code | Hours (L, T) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1 In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Behavior of Masonry Structures | Description and illustration of in-plane and out-of-plane behavior with figures. Types of failure modes subjected to in-plane lateral loads. | D, E, I | 1 |
| 6.2 Typical Damage Patterns Due to Lateral Loads | Types of failure behavior of masonry structures due to lateral loads (diagonal cracking, toe crushing, sliding, rocking); illustrated with figures from real earthquake damage. | D, E, I | 2 |
| 6.3 Ductile Behavior of Reinforced and Unreinforced Masonry | Description and explanation of ductile behavior differences between reinforced and unreinforced masonry structures under lateral loading. | D, E, I | 1 |
| 6.4 Lateral Force Distribution for Rigid and Flexible Diaphragms | Theoretical concept on distribution of lateral forces to walls based on flexibility of diaphragms (rigid vs flexible). Numerical application. | D, E, I, NUM | 1 |
| 6.5 Design of Masonry Walls for Wind Loads | Design example of masonry wall subjected to combined vertical load and wind pressure. Numerical problems. | E, NUM | 1, 2 |
| 6.6 Elements of Lateral Load-Resisting Masonry System | Description of the elements that form the lateral load-resisting system in masonry buildings (shear walls, diaphragms, connections) with figures. | D, E, I | 1 |
| Evaluation: QA, Q | |||
7
Seismic Design and Strengthening of Masonry Buildings
10L · 1T · 0P · Weeks 11–13| Topic / Sub-topic | Description | Depth Code | Hours (L, T) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.1 Seismic Behavior of Unreinforced and Reinforced Masonry | Seismic behavior of masonry buildings during earthquakes; difference in response between reinforced and unreinforced masonry. | D, E | 1 |
| 7.2 Seismic Design Principles for Masonry Construction | Principles of seismic design of masonry structures; basic practices in design and construction of earthquake-resistant masonry buildings. | D, E, I | 1 |
| 7.3 Seismic Design of Masonry Walls | Design example of shear wall under seismic loading using codal provisions. Numerical problems. | E, NUM | 2, 1 |
| 7.4 Codal Provisions for Seismic Design of Masonry | Codal provisions for seismic design from IS 1905, NBC 109, NBC 203, and relevant Indian and Nepali standards. | D, E, I | 2 |
| 7.5 Seismic Strengthening Measures of Masonry Structures | Different seismic strengthening measures for brick and stone masonry structures. Existing retrofitting practices for masonry structures in Nepal (ferrocement overlay, vertical/horizontal RC bands, jacketing, etc.). | D, E, I | 2 |
| Evaluation: QA, Q, MT | |||
8
Testing of Masonry Elements
4L · 0T · 0P · Weeks 14–15| Topic / Sub-topic | Description | Depth Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.1 Compressive Strength of Bricks and Walls | Procedure for compressive strength testing; sampling criteria; calculation of compressive strength of bricks and masonry walls. | D, E, I | 1 |
| 8.2 Diagonal Shear Test | Procedure for diagonal shear test based on ASTM E519 standard; calculation of diagonal tensile strength of masonry. | D, E, I | 1 |
| 8.3 Non-Destructive Tests (NDT) | Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test; elastic wave tomography; semi-destructive tests: flat-jack test and push shear test. Procedure for performing each test with figures. | D, E, I | 2 |
| Evaluation: QA, Q | |||
References
Recommended Books and Codes – Design of Timber and Masonry Structures ENCE 301
- 1 Arya, A. S. (1992). Masonry and Timber Structures Including Earthquake Resistant Design (Latest ed.). Nem Chand & Bros.
- 2 Dayaratnam, P. (2017). Brick and Reinforced Brick Structures. Oxford & IBH Publishing.
- 3 Handry, A. W., Sinha, B. P., Davies, S. R. (1981). An Introduction to Load Bearing Brick Design (Latest ed.). University of Edinburgh.
- 4 Drysdale, R. G., Hamid, A. A., Baker, L. R. (1999). Masonry Structures: Behaviour and Design (Latest ed.). Prentice Hall.
- 5 Tomazevic, M. (1999). Earthquake-Resistant Design of Masonry Buildings (Latest ed.). Imperial College Press.
- 6 IS 883: Code of Practice for Design of Structural Timber in Buildings. Bureau of Indian Standards.
- 7 IS 1905: Code of Practice for Structural Use of Unreinforced Masonry. Bureau of Indian Standards.
- 8 SP 20: Explanatory Handbook on Masonry Code. Bureau of Indian Standards.
- 9 NBC 109: Nepal National Building Code. Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, Nepal.
- 10 NBC 202: Guidelines on Load Bearing Masonry. Government of Nepal.
- 11 NBC 203: Guidelines for Earthquake Resistant Building Construction: Low Strength Masonry. Government of Nepal.
Model Question Paper – ENCE 301
Subject: Design of Timber and Masonry Structures | Code: ENCE 301 | Year/Part: III/I | Use of IS 1905 and IS 883 Allowed | Note: Questions and marks are indicative only.
| Q.N. | Question | Marks | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Classify the structural timber based on grade of timber. Describe the factors affecting the strength of structural timber. | 2+2 | 1 |
| 2 | What are the specifications for nailed joints? | 4 | 2 |
| 3 | A timber column 4 m long has to support a load of 100 kN. Taking the column to be of Deodar wood, design the column as a spaced column. | 6 | 3 |
| 4 | A timber beam is 160 mm wide and 300 mm deep and is simply supported on a span of 6 m. It carries a uniformly distributed load of 3 kN/m over the whole span and three equal concentrated loads W each placed at mid span and quarter span points. If the stress in timber is not to exceed 8 N/mm², find the maximum value of W. | 6 | 3 |
| 5 | Describe the importance of masonry structure in the modern era. List the structural limitations of masonry structures. | 4 | 4 |
| 6 | A wall 250 mm thick, using modular bricks, carries at the top a load of 300 kN/m having resultant eccentricity ratio of 1/12. The wall is 4 m long between cross walls and is 3.5 m clear height between RCC slabs at the top and bottom. What shall be the strength of brick and the grade of mortar? Assume that joints are not raked. | 8 | 5 |
| 7 | External wall of a single storeyed building is 250 mm thick and carries 100 kN/m load at the top of the wall with an eccentricity of 12 mm. The plinth level is 1.5 m above the top of the foundation footing and floor to ceiling height is 3 m. RCC slab rests on the wall and is 12 cm thick. Determine the maximum stress in the wall and calculate the strength of brick and grade of mortar required. Assume necessary data if required. | 8 | 5 |
| 8 | Explain with a figure the failure behavior of masonry structures under lateral loads. What are the main elements that resist the lateral loads in buildings? Explain with sketches. | 3+2 | 6 |
| 9 | Describe in-plane and out-of-plane behavior of masonry structures. | 3 | 6 |
| 10 | Explain the procedure for repair and retrofitting of masonry buildings. | 6 | 7 |
| 11 | Explain compressive and diagonal shear tests in masonry structures. | 3+3 | 8 |
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