THEORY IN PRACTICE SOUTH AFRICA

The phases of timber construction using a full-scale model

10 September 2025

Future Africa Campus, University of Pretoria

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Programme

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The goal is to learn how to build a timber structure in a workmanlike manner, to learn and practice all phases of construction of a timber building, avoiding the most common mistakes on site and during the design phase.

The course takes place in an area where timber is quickly becoming part of the culture. It is quite a unique chance to get a wide knowledge on the theory and practice of a timber building. Each practical moment will be accompanied by a theoretical explanation useful for understanding the topics. In the course you will work on a full-scale model on which you can experiment.

Course content

Assembly of a section of a timber building, from the foundations to the roof structure. The practical assembly phases are accompanied by theoretical explanations on the advantages of the different connections, the installation method, the resistance, the stiffness, the fire resistance and the ductility. In particular, the following details will be installed and examined: connection to the ground, post bases, concealed connections, hold-down and shear angle brackets, innovative connections.

Also the following content will be fully explored: waterproofing, airtightness and wind tightness.

Theoretical part relating to acoustic solutions for timber structures, the laying and choice of membranes and the correct taping, the correct installation of the windows to avoid durability issues (with practical laboratory).

Handling of structural elements
Installation of concealed connections
Membranes laying
Laying of tapes and profiles for airtightness
Correct hygrometric behaviour of the construction
Waterproofing of the building
Correct design and installation of the window to guarantee waterproofing, airtightness and wind-tightness.

Carpenters who want to get a deeper know-how on timber construction, governing well both theory and practice.

Construction companies who want to train their workers through a practical and theoretical course (avoiding or reducing time-consuming training on the construction site).

Construction foremen and project managers.

Designers who want to touch the timber building site and understand its construction details.

Students and those looking to get into the world of mass timber costruction

Eng. Matteo Andreottola - Rothoblaas
Mark O'Connor - Rothoblaas

Other speakers to be confirmed

Programme

08:40 - 09:00

Registration of participants and introduction of the course
09:00 - 09:45

The potential of CLT: material characteristics, production and site organization
09:45 -10:30

Connections for CLT buildings: installation of the ground connection
10:30 - 10:45

Coffee break
10:45 - 11:45

LAB - Installation of the ground connection: waterproofing, structural connection to concrete curb and aluminium profile
11:45 - 12:30

The handling of CLT or other timber wall and floor panels
12:30 - 13:30

Lunch
13:30 - 14:15

LAB - Installation of the wall and roof elements with fastening with screws and other more effective and faster methods
14:15 - 15:00

Concealed connections: assessment of minimum distances of connections, positioning of connections, assessment of resistance and calculation programs
15:00 - 15:15

Coffe break
15:15 - 16:00

Waterproofing, wind tightness and airtightness of buildings
16:00 - 17:00

LAB - Waterproofing laboratory to understand differences between materials, application, characteristics and durability.
17:00 - 18:00

LAB - wall window design and installation with final presentation of the attendees
19:00

Network dinner (Typical local restaurant, not included in the price)

Cancellation policy

THEORY IN PRACTICE SOUTH AFRICA

Information

REGISTRATION

Package

Programme

Registration of participants and introduction of the course

The potential of CLT: material characteristics, production and site organization

Connections for CLT buildings: installation of the ground connection

Coffee break

LAB - Installation of the ground connection: waterproofing, structural connection to concrete curb and aluminium profile

The handling of CLT or other timber wall and floor panels

Lunch

LAB - Installation of the wall and roof elements with fastening with screws and other more effective and faster methods

Concealed connections: assessment of minimum distances of connections, positioning of connections, assessment of resistance and calculation programs

Coffe break

Waterproofing, wind tightness and airtightness of buildings

LAB - Waterproofing laboratory to understand differences between materials, application, characteristics and durability.

LAB - wall window design and installation with final presentation of the attendees

Network dinner (Typical local restaurant, not included in the price)

Network dinner (Typical local restaurant, not included in the price)