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In the second module, the task was to design a deck structure consisting of the timber platform, joist, bearer and the stump on pad footing using the span tables to explore the principles of strength, span and spacing. Similar to the first module, I also explored many variations of the deck design, most of which mimick the shape of my existing brick wall. This module allowed me to aim for the most efficient use of decking boards, joists, bearers, stumps, pad footings and engaged piers to construct the timber deck by using the Timber Queensland’s Technical Data Sheet on Commercial Timber Decks as reference for the structural guide.

 

As an addition for access to the deck, I also incorporated concrete steps along the side edges of the deck that can also facilitate a sitting area. In order to accommodate the existing tree on the site, an inward half rectangular cut to the deck was necessary. Therefore, the length of the timber platform, joist and bearer vary across the deck and had to be divided into different parts and be calculated differently to make sure that the components supporting the deck are adequate. For structural stability, instead of using stumps with pad footings, two additional engaged piers were built to support the part of the deck near the wall. This design decision in turn impacted my previous wall model because in order to support the new engaged piers, the strip footings of the wall had to be resized accordingly. Then, to reduce timber decay and for ventilation below deck, I also made sure that there was at least 150mm clearance to the underside of bearers. 

 

Overall, throughout the process of designing the deck,I have developed a better understanding of how decks are constructed and learn how to maximise the efficiency of materials and the structural stability with the help of the Timber Queensland's table. 

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