Pres-Lam Buildings: State-of-the-Art
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 146, Issue 6
Abstract
Post-tensioned timber (Pres-Lam) buildings have been constructed throughout the world, beginning in 2010. The technology, which originated from low-damage concrete building applications, relies on unbonded post-tensioning tendons to provide moment capacity to beam–column, wall–foundation, or column–foundation connections. Supplemental energy dissipation can be introduced by the inclusion of mild steel bars or replaceable damping devices when designing buildings for high-seismic-risk areas. Given the increasing demand for multistory timber buildings in high seismic zones, the Pres-Lam system is recognized worldwide as one of many efficient solutions for achieving seismic-resilient and sustainable structures. This paper presents an overview of the current state-of-the-art of the Pres-Lam system, including experimental campaigns, numerical and analytical modeling, and operating buildings as well as design procedures and design procurement.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge PTL Structural Consultants for providing information regarding the implementation of the Pres-Lam concept into some recent operational buildings.
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Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 146 • Issue 6 • June 2020
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©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 17, 2019
Accepted: Oct 11, 2019
Published online: Mar 20, 2020
Published in print: Jun 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Aug 20, 2020
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