This paper focuses on the single timber Textile Module. Based on the finite element (FE) method, a reliable procedure is proposed for modeling the overall assembly process of the Textile Module. For comparison, Textile Module prototypes are constructed at two different scales (large and intermediate scales) with different assembly conditions. The proposed geometrically nonlinear FE model allows evaluation of the stresses that are induced during the construction process and which may affect the structural integrity of the module. In particular, the risk of failure during assembly is identified using the anisotropic Tsai-Hill criterion.
The structural behavior of the timber Textile Module is then investigated through bending tests using the constructed prototypes. During the loading procedure, the vertical deflections are measured at different locations on the prototype surface by means of external displacement transducers. Using the FE model, the corresponding deformed shapes are simulated by applying the bending loads on the pre-stressed Textile Module. Experimental displacements and FE predictions are thus compared and found to be in good agreement.