Timber core-walls for lateral load resistance of multi-storey timber buildings

Cross-laminated timber, PresLam, seismic, stairwells, walls, XLam This paper describes the results of experimental tests on post-tensioned Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) core-walls tested under bi-directional quasi-static seismic loading. The half-scale two-storey test specimens includeda stair with half-flight landings.The use of CLT panels for multi-storey timber buildings is gaining popularity throughout the world, especiallyfor residential construction. Post-tensioned timber core-walls for lift-shafts (elevator shafts) or stairwells canbe used as tubular structures for resistance to seismic loads and wind loads in open-plan commercial officebuildingsPrevious experimental testing has been done on the in-plane behaviour of single and coupled timber walls at theUniversity of Canterbury and elsewhere. However, there has been very little research done on the 3D behaviourof timber walls that are orthogonal to each other, and no research to date into single post-tensioned CLT wallsor CLT tubular structures.This paper describes a “High Seismic option” consisting of full height post-tensioned CLT walls coupled withenergy dissipating U-shaped Flexural Plates (UFPs) attached at the vertical joints between coupled wall panelsand between wall panels and steel corner columns. An alternative “Low Seismic option” consists of post-tensioned CLT panels connected by screws, to provide a semi-rigid connection, allowing relative movementbetween the panels, producing some level of frictional energy dissipation. The Low Seismic option is suitablefor wind loading in non-(or low-) seismic regions.