Analysis and conservation strategies of traditional timber roof structures in Northern Morocco

This paper describes the results of the investigations carried out on the construction techniques and the mechanical behavior of the timber roof structures, which characterize the traditional architecture of Northern Morocco. The identified construction systems are two: the Berber and the Andalusian roof structures. The morphological, constructive and structural investigations, aimed at assessing the vulnerability level of the constructive systems, highlighted performances and criticalities. The mechanical behavior of these roof structures was investigated by performing numerical modeling through the finite element software Straus7. Results were compared to the actual cracking pattern surveyed on the masonry walls where they are positioned and to the real deflections of the timber members, and they match very well. Finally, due to the state of conservation and the deflection of the timber members observed during surveys, two strengthening systems, one for each structural type, have been devised to prevent the risk of a possible collapse and, therefore, to preserve them.