Application of Resilient Connections for Low Damage Design of CLT Structures

This paper provides the details and implementation ofa novel connection system for a mass timber structurein a seismically active region. Resilient slip Friction(RSFJ) devices were used as hold-down connector andtension/compression braces for the Fast+Epp headoffice buildinginVancouver, Canada. The structureis a mass timber system with the semis devicesimplemented instead of conventional high-damagetimber connectors. The design process, constructionsequence and observed challenges for the project aredescribed and discussed. The findings of this papershow that with a robust design and careful detailing,a seismic resilient mass timber system is achievableeven if this type of structure is not covered by thecurrent international standards and guidelines. Thefinding encourages researchers and engineers to startconsidering seismic resilient mass timber structures.