Validation of analytical models for determining the strength and stiffness of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) shear walls.

• Grant number: 25/02092-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Julio Cesar Molina
• Grantee: Vitor Hugo Minari
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels are used in the construction of multi-story buildings due to their industrialization and sustainability, which has revolutionized the timber construction market in Brazil and worldwide. Given this, it is essential to understand the behavior of this material when used as a wall, especially under lateral forces applied in the plane of the panel (shear walls), as these walls play a fundamental role in the global bracing of buildings through the diaphragm effect. Although there are international studies and analytical methods developed by researchers, there are still no standards for calculating these elements or national guidelines for conducting tests. The lack of regulation arises from the divergence among researchers regarding the behavior of these elements and the absence of national equipment for full-scale testing.This study proposes the analysis of analytical methods available in the literature, followed by a comparison with numerical models and experimental tests of isolated and coupled MLCC panels at full scale. Tests will be conducted on walls composed of one and two panels, subjected to horizontal forces in the plane of the element, varying the thickness of the lamellas, the number of connections, and the stiffness of the base, as well as the stiffness of the connections between panels. The results obtained will allow the calibration of numerical models based on the Finite Element Method, which will be extrapolated to walls with up to five laterally coupled panels. Based on these analyses, analytical models and testing guidelines will be proposed to determine the strength and stiffness of CLT walls under loads parallel to the panel, filling gaps in the literature and Brazilian technical standards, potentially contributing to future revisions of ABNT NBR 7190.