TRABE: Design of Timber Structures According to the Spanish Technical Building Code (CTE)
The TRABE calculation tool is a digital platform developed by the Structural Timber Engineering Platform of USC (PEMADE) to facilitate the structural design of timber elements in floors and roofs. Conceived as an open and free resource, TRABE aims to become a key technical reference for professionals working in timber construction and rehabilitation.
Supported by the Galician Forest Industry Agency (XERA), the tool is intended for architects and engineers active in the building sector. Its simple and intuitive interface allows for efficient structural calculations, always based on the current regulations of the Spanish Technical Building Code (CTE) and applicable European standards.
A distinguishing feature of TRABE is the integration of specific technical information on the main timber species cultivated in Galicia—Pinus pinaster, Pinus radiata, Pinus sylvestris, Castanea sativa, and Eucalyptus globulus—promoting the use of locally sourced timber and the sustainable management of local forest resources. This integration helps professionals make informed decisions based on rigorous technical data adapted to the Galician production context.
In addition to structural calculation, the tool provides relevant complementary information for project development with quality and safety criteria, including aspects such as the influence of moisture on timber products or fire behavior. Thus, TRABE not only simplifies the dimensioning process but also expands the technical knowledge available at each project stage.
TRABE is, above all, an evolving platform. From PEMADE, it is conceived as a living service, constantly updated and expanded with new functionalities, aiming to progressively improve performance and broaden calculation possibilities. This continuous improvement approach will allow the incorporation of new solutions, regulatory adaptations, and technical content, reinforcing its usefulness for the sector and consolidating PEMADE’s commitment to innovation and knowledge transfer in structural timber engineering.