The title of this volume corresponds to a course of instruction conducted by the author in the College of Civil Engineering in Cornell University during the past nineteen years. In this course the students receive their first instruction in the application of the principles of mechanics to the design of the details of structures. Experience has shown that in many respects problems involving timber construction are better adapted for this purpose than if confined to structural steel.

It may appear at first as if too much attention to details is given in the examples oil the design of joints, beams, and trusses. It is believed, however, that the importance of careful study of every detail can only thus be properly emphasized. In practice it seems to be the exception rather than the rule to give the same attention to details of timber structures as to those of steel. In the interest of sound engineering practice it is essential that all connections and details have the same degree of security as the framed members.

In several articles the order of design is given in full, with a view of economizing the time of the student, and of promoting systematic habits in making the computations required, these objects being regarded as important elements in efficient engineering education and practice.

Chapter I contains the digested results of extensive experimental investigation and research. Since their theoretic and practical value depend largely upon the conditions under which the experiments are made, and the limitations of space preclude their complete description, the original sources of information are given in every case.


A subject embracing so many details of design and construction cannot be treated fully in a single volume of convenient size, since it is necessary to observe its application in several different cases to obtain an adequate idea of the value or use of any detail, whether it be a fastening or a joint. The engineering periodicals and transactions contain a large amount of such illustrative material, and hence numerous but carefully selected references to them are made a prominent feature of this work. Besides directing the student in his reading on the topics included, they encourage him to form the habit of consulting these great cyclopedias of engineering practice.

To facilitate the use of this volume as a text-book, it has been so arranged that computations for the design of joints given in Chapter II may be commenced at the beginning of the course of instruction. In preparing the more strictly theoretic portion of the text a knowledge of mechanics has been assumed throughout. An attempt has been made to present the subjects of joints and fastenings in a systematic manner, and to include practical information on timber construction.