Investigating the Hysteretic Behavior of Cross-Laminated Timber Wall Systems due to Connections
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 144, Issue 5
Abstract
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) wall systems are composed of massive timber panels that are fastened together and to the horizontal elements (foundations or intermediate floors) with step joints and mechanical connections. Due to the high in-plane stiffness of CLT, the shear response of such systems depends strongly on the connections used. This paper proposes a numerical model capable of predicting the mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of CLT wall systems. The wall and the element to which it is anchored are simulated using three-dimensional (3D) solid bodies, while the connections are modeled as nonlinear hysteretic springs. Typical racking tests of wall systems are reproduced by varying the assumptions used to schematize the behavior of the connections. Results are compared with test data published in the literature, and the differences are discussed. The influence of the boundary conditions (vertical load applied on top of the wall and friction at its base) and aspect ratio of the panel are investigated via a parametric numerical study. Finally, the performance of a wall system assembled with two CLT panels is analyzed, highlighting how the properties of the anchoring connections and vertical step joints affect the load-displacement response and energy dissipation.
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Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge Dr. Giovanni Rinaldin (University of Sassari, Italy), who shared the user element subroutine used in the simulations. Further acknowledgments are extended to Dr. Thomas Reynolds (University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom) who performed the English language revision of the article.
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 144 • Issue 5 • May 2018
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 15, 2017
Accepted: Oct 26, 2017
Published online: Mar 14, 2018
Published in print: May 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Aug 14, 2018
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