Cyclic behavior of cross-laminated timber (CLT) wall systems: Experimental tests and analytical prediction models

An experimental program was performed at IVALSA Trees and Timber Institute on single and coupled cross-laminated (CLT) wall panels with different anchoring systems and different types of joints between adjacent panels. The mechanical properties of CLT walls were assessed and are critically discussed in the paper. The connector layout and the design of the screwed vertical joints were found to markedly affect the overall behavior of the structural system. The in-plane deformations of CLT panels were almost negligible, whereas concentration of forces and deformations mainly occurred in the connections. Advanced analytical models for nonlinear pushover analysis of CLT wall systems were developed and verified against test results. The models take into account all stiffness and strength components of connectors, as well as the bending and shear deformation of the panels. A parametric study of CLT wall systems with different aspect ratios and wall segmentation was performed, showing that segmentation of CLT walls decreases their stiffness and strength but significantly improves their deformation capacity.