Architecture Engineers Award

The structural dynamics of timber buildings have gained increasing attention in modern sustainable construction research. Understanding the vibration and stiffness behaviour of such structures is essential for ensuring comfort, safety, and performance throughout their lifespan. The case of Fyrtornet, an 11-storey, 51 m tall timber building, serves as a key example of how advanced engineering methods—like ambient vibration testing and finite element modelling—can enhance our understanding of complex connection behaviours, material interactions, and non-structural contributions. Importance of Dynamic Behaviour Analysis in Timber Structures Timber buildings, especially tall ones, exhibit unique vibration characteristics compared to steel and concrete structures due to their lighter weight and flexible material nature. Accurately modelling their dynamic behaviour helps predict how they respond to wind, occupancy, and seismic loads. Such insights are vital to improve serviceability, struct...