Analytical Approach to Establishing the Elastic Behavior of Multipanel CLT Shear Walls Subjected to Lateral Loads

Structures assembled with cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, and designed to resist gravity and lateral loads, are being considered as viable options for low-rise to mid-rise buildings. In this paper, an analytical approach based on the minimum total potential energy principle has been developed in order to determine the mechanical behavior of 1-story multipanel CLT walls. Expressions for determination of the elastic stiffness and capacity are proposed that take into account the geometry of the panels and stiffness of hold-down and vertical joint connections. Kinematic models demonstrated in the case of relatively stiff hold-down connections that each panel has an absolute center of rotation, whereas for relatively flexible hold-down connections panels can exhibit progressively increasing uplift. An analytical expression to evaluate the elastic strength of an entire wall is presented for different kinematic cases. Results are verified by comparing them with predictions made using detailed numerical models.