Force Transfer around Openings in Cross-Laminated Timber Shear Walls

• Published in: Journal of structural engineering (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 143; no. 4
• Main Authors: Pai, Sai Ganesh S, Lam, Frank, Haukaas, Terje
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Society of Civil Engineers 01-04-2017
• Subjects: Connectors; Cross laminating; Design engineering; Shear walls; Stiffness; Strength; Technical Papers; Walls; Wood laminates
• ISSN: 0733-9445; 1943-541X
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0001674

AbstractThis paper presents a study on force transfer around openings (FTAO) in cross-laminated timber (CLT) shear walls. To elucidate the load transfer mechanism in CLT walls, this study used finite-element models to study five different CLT shear wall configurations. The effect of uncertainty in the behavior of connectors in the wall over its force-deformation behavior and design transfer force was also studied. In a coupled-panel wall, the presence of an opening decreased the strength and stiffness of the wall and tie-rods were provided as reinforcement to limit the deformation between the panels in the wall and to improve its strength and stiffness. The models presented here provide a tool to determine the transfer force in a CLT shear wall for design of tie-rods and develop a better understanding of load distribution within the wall.